against the North-East Passage to Japan he retracts his former Opinion of making Nova Zembla join upon the Continent with Tartary having since been better inform'd He thinks the Tartarian Points may run very far North and perhaps reach to America Captain Wood fancies that Nova Zembla and Greenland are the same Continent If these Conjectures of Captain James Captain Wood and Mr. Witsen concerning the North-East and North-West Passages to the East-Indies should not be true yet the difficulties of sailing those ways would be invincible But now it seems convenient to come to the present Work and to give an account what is contained therein The Authors are Four viz. Sir John Narborough Captain Jansen Tasman Captain Wood and Frederick Marten I. Sir John Narborough is so well known in England and so famous beyond the Seas that I need say nothing of his great Abilties His Voyage into the South-Sea is mentioned before but this is the first time of Publishing it II. Captain Abel Jansen Tasman's Voyage from Batavia in the Island of Java to the South Terra Incognita is the more considerable in that 't is the Discovery of a New World not yet known to the English 'T is probable by Abel Jansen Tasman's Navigation that New Guinea New Carpentaria and New Holland are a vast prodigious Island which he seems to have encompassed in his Voyage setting out from Batavia to Maurice Isle East of Madagascar from whence bearing away South to 49 deg of South Lat. and then East and by North to Lat. 42 and 44 he fell upon those new Tracts of Land call'd Van Diemen's and afterwards upon New Zealand to the South-East of New Holland returning to Batavia through part of the South Sea wherein he Discover'd new Islands and so Northwards of New Guinea to the Molucco's and Java III. Captain Wood was a most excellent Navigator He together with Sir Cloudsly Shovel accompanied Sir John Narborough to Chili Afterwards he was sent by Charles II. to Discover a North-East Passage to China and Japan by Nova Zembla and Tartary of which you have here an Abstract never Printed before IV. Frederick Marten of Hamburgh Published his Observations made in Greenland in the High Dutch a Language little understood in England His Voyage being the last and best was much desired here it being full of Draughts and curious Remarks the Copying and Translating of which are perform'd with all possible diligence These four make up the Volume together with many new Carts and Designs drawn upon the several places which do much illustrate the Work and improve both Natural and Mathematical Science To these we thought fit to tack a Supplement containing some Observations on Groneland or Engroneland as also upon some Northern Islands North-East and North-West 'T is to be lamented that the English Nation have not sent along with their Navigators some skilful Painters Naturalists and Mechanists under publick Stipends and Encouragement as the Dutch and French have done and still practise daily much to their Honour as well as Advantage The English have Capacity Industry and Judgment in these Matters equal to if not beyond their Neighbours Sint Maecenates We are apt to imitate a certain Prince in every thing except in the most glorious and best Part of him viz. The Encouraging and Rewarding great Men in all Professions and the promoting Arts and Sciences with his Treasure A Secret which some Ministers think not fit to practise or perhaps may be insensible of for want of penetration This makes a great Figure in the present and future Ages covers many Spots and Deformities and secures the best Heads and Hands to carry on and effect great Designs CONTENTS OF THE INTRODUCTION NAvigations towards the South from page 6 to p. 15. As those of Magellan Drake Candish Hawkins Olivert Noort Sebald de Wert Spilbergen Fernandez Giros Tasman Schouten and Le Maire Brewer Sharp and others Terra Magellanica Described p. 12 General Occurrences in the Southern Navigations p. 13 14 15. Navigations towards the North from p. 15 to 26. As those of Zeni Cabot Willoughby Burrows Forbisher Pet Jackman Gilbert Davis Barents and Gerart de Veer Button Hudson Hall Baffin Munck Goodler's Wintering in Greenland Observations on that Country from p. 21. to 24. Observations and Discoveries by Captain Fox Captain James Gillam and others of the North-East and North-West Passages p. 26 27. Of New Guinea Carpentaria Hollandia Nova Zelandia Nova p. 28. What wanted in our English Navigations p. 29. A TABLE of the Principal Matters contained in Sir John Narbrough's Voyage to the Streights of Magellan Captain Tasman's Voyage for a further Discovery of Terra Incognita Australis Captain Wood's for finding a North-East Passage to China and Japan and Captain Flawes Journal from Nova Zembla to England ARmiger Sir John Narbrough's Lieutenant kindly entertained c. by the Captain of Fort S. Jago p. 98. Goes to Fort St. Peter and why p. 99. Kept Prisoner there p. 100. His Letter to Captain Narbrough p. 101. Left behind 111 Anchors three found beyond Cape Gregory c. p. 126 Baldavia Harbour its Latitude c. p. 85. The Traffick thereof p. 93. Three Rivers empty themselves into it p. 106. A conjecture concerning it p. 106 107. The Tackle for Ships in this place what p. 107. A description of the Harbour and Country adjacent p. 108 109 c. Batchellour Pink attends upon Sir John Narbrough her Burthen how Mann'd Victualled c. p. 2 4. Instructions to the Master thereof and from whom p. 9 10 11 12. Loses sight of the Sweepstakes and is seen no more p. 23 Bezoar-stone whence taken p. 32 33 Cape Blanco Description thereof p. 21. It s Latitude p. 41 Cape Froward a description of it p. 70. It s Latitude Longitude and Meridional Distance p. 71 Cape Holland described together with several other Capes Islands and Bays p. 71 Cape Quad described p. 76. The distance between it and Cape Munday Ibid. Cape Munday its description p. 76 77 Cape Desiadâ— described its Latitude Longitude and meridional â—â—stance p. 78 Cape Pillar its Lat. Longit. and meridional distance p. 78 Cape Gallery described p. 112 Chile the chief Place of America for Gold p. 92 Cooe Hugh Trumpeter on board Sir John Narbrough taken Prisoner by the Spaniards at Baldavia was left behind p. 111 Direction Isles their number where p. 114 Don Carlos set ashore in Noman's Island and why p. 84. Never heard of more p. 87 Elizabeth Island described p. 66 57. The distance between it and S. Jerom's River p. 74. The Bay or River of this Island described p. 75. 124 Flawes Captain William His Journal of a Voyage from Nova Zembla to England in the year 1676 from p. 171 to p. 185. His opinion of the said Voyage with a Relation of his miscarriage therein and some Observations thereupon p. 185. c. Fonchiale the chief Town in the Madera's its Latitude p. 3 Fortescue John Gent. Taken Prisoner by the
Leagues or more At the point of the second Narrow on the North-shore up to the North-east-ward a mile or two there is a Bay on the North-shore and a white Cliff of an ordinary height which is called Cape St. Gregory In this Bay you may ride in eight Fathom Water fine clean sandy Ground and a good half mile off the shore This is a good Road if the Wind be between the North-east and the South-west to the Westward the Winds are given most to blow on the Western-quarter As I sailed thorow the second Narrow I sounded in the fair way and had twenty eight and thirty Fathom small stones The North-shore on this Narrow makes in a Bay at the East-point and is white Cliffs all the way through This Narrow lies throughout West-south-west and east-north-East-north-east and at the West-end of the Narrow the Land is steep up in white Cliffs and the South part rounds away in a rore-rore-land The South-shore rounds away South-east from this fore-Fore-land and then it trents away to the Southward in low Land The North-shore of this Narrow or Streight rounds up to the Northward in white Cliffs and falls into shores there goes in a Harbour which hath four Fathom in the Channel at High-water it is a flat round Harbour within and oary I called this Oaz-harbour When you are at the West-part of this Narrow you will see three Islands come open which shew to be steep up Cliffs they lie Triangle-wise one of another they are four Leagues distant from the Narrow West-south-west The smallest and Eastermost Isle is called St. Bartholomews the biggest and Wester-most is called Elizabeth the middle-most and souther-most is called S. George's and by some Penguins-Isle and indeed there are many Penguins on it This Evening I got up to Elizabeth's and anchored in eight Fathoms and an half sine black Sand two miles off the Island The East-point bears South and by East of me fair Weather all Night the Wind at South and by West This Morning I went ashore on Elizabeth-Island and at my landing nineteen of the Countrey-people came off the Hills to me I had Conference with them and exchanged Knives and Beads for such things as they had which were Bows and Arrows and their Skin-Coats which are made of young Guianacoes skins I gave them a Hatchet and Knives and Beads and Toys Trumps c. they seem'd to be very well-pleased I shewed them Gold which they would have had I made them signs that if they had any I would give them Knives and Beads c. for it or If any where in the Land I laid Gold and bright Copper into the Ground and made as if I found it there and looked to and fro on the Earth as if I looked for such things they looked one on another and spake to each other some words but I could not perceive that they understood me or what I meant nor that they knew Gold or any other Metal they would gladly have had every thing they saw they tried to break the Boats Iron-grapenel with stones and would have carried it away I let them alone and observed their actions and behaviour which was very brutish they catched at every thing they could reach although I caused them to sit down and I put strings of Beads about their Necks still they desired more My Lieuâ—enant Peckett danced with them hand in hand and several of my Men did dance with them and made all the shew of Friendship as was possible My Lieutenant changed his Coat for one of theirs sor they desired it because it was red which coâ—our they much esteem I was in great hopes I might find Gold among them I gave them all the courteous respect I could After two hours Conference with them I made signs I would go and get more things and come again to them They went and would have us to Land again under a Cliff which I judge was their Design to heave stones into the Boat to sink her for the place was very convenient for such a purpose They set themselves down on the Grass and immediately set fire on the Grass on the side of the Bank by what means they got Fire so suddenly I could not understand I went and sounded the Channel between Elizabeth-Island and St. Bartholomew's-Island and found it a fair Channel to Sail through of a mile broad nearest and deep Water in the middle thirty eight Fathom and nine and ten Fathom near the Shore-side gravelly Sand. These People are of a middle stature both Men and Women and well-limbed and roundish Faced and well shaped and low Fore-headed their Noses of a mean size their Eyes of the mean and black they are smooth and even toothed and close set and very white small Ears their Hair is smooth flag Hair and very black and harsh on the fore-part even and round and the Locks of a mean length both Men and Women alike they are full Breasted they are tawny Olive-coloured and redded all over their Bodies with red Earth and Grease their Faces dawbed in spots down their Cheeks with white Clay and some black streaks with smut in no Method their Arms and Feet the like they have small Heads and short Fingers they are active in Body and nimble in going and running their Cloathing is pieces of Skins of Seals and Guianacoes and Otters skins sewed together and sewed soft their Garment is in form of a Carpet of about five feet square or according to the largeness of the Person this they wrap about their Bodies as a Scottish Man doth his Plading they have a Cap of the Skins of Fowls with the Feathers on they have about their Feet pieces of Skins tied to keep their Feet from the Ground they are very hardy People to endure cold for they seldom wear this loose Skin when they are stirring but are all naked of Body from Head to Feet and do not shrink for the Weather for it was very cold when I saw them and the Hills all cover'd with Snow they have no Hair on their Bodies nor Faces nor any thing to cover their privy Parts excepting some of the Women which had a Skin before them otherwise the Men and Women are cloathed alike only the Men have Caps and the Women none The Women wear Bracelets of Shells about their Necks the Men none the Men are somewhat larger than the Women in Stature and more fuller Fac'd the Men have a harsh Language and speak ratling in the Throat and gross the Women shiller and lower they pronounce the word Ursah but what it means I could not understand nor one word they spake if they did not like any thing they would cry Ur Ur ratling in their Throats their Food is what they can get either Fis or Flesh they are under no Government but every Man doth as he thinks fit for they had no respect to any one nor under any Obedience of any in this Company neither did they make any shew of
West-south-west fair Weather Course per Compass North-east by East distance sailed by the Log 83 Miles true Course Protracted and variation allowed is East 33 d. North difference of Lat. 47 Miles by Observation departure 66 Miles Lat. by a good Observation 70 d. 30 m. Meridian distance 367 Miles East Yesterday and this Day we saw many Whales Monday June 19. From the 18. Noon to this Day Noon a fresh Gale at West by South thick hasey Weather with Rains at seven a Clock in the Forenoon saw many Sea Fowles more than at any time yet with many Jubartesses at ten a Clock saw the Land being the Islands that lie about 20 Leagues to the Westward of the North Cape true Course allowed for variation is North-north-east distance sailed by the Log 135 Miles difference of Lat. 50 Miles departure East 30 Miles Lat. per Judgment 71 d. 20 m. Meridian distance 497 Miles At Noon the Island Sanden bore South by East about 8 or 9 Leagues off this Island is a high craggy Land with some Snow on the Land Tuesday June 20. From the 19. Noon to this day Noon Course per Compass between the East-north-east and the North-east distance sailed by the Log 128 Miles true Coursed allowed for the variation is North 43 d. East difference of Lat. 91 Miles departure 88 Miles East Lat. per Judgment 72 d. 51 m. Meridian distance 585 Miles From yesterday Noon to this day Noon the first 12 Hours a fresh Gale at South-west but the last 12 Hours much Wind with small Rains and great Fogs saw many Sea Fowles Wednesday June 21. From the 20. to the 21. Noon a stiff Gale with Gusts and small Rains Course per Compass North-east distance sailed by Log 35 Miles true Course allowed by variation is North 40 d. East difference of Lat. 103 Miles departure East 86 Miles Lat. per Judgment 74 d. 34 m. Meridian distance 671 Miles thick cloudy Weather saw many Sea Fowles Thursday June 22. From the 21. Noon to this 22. Noon Course per Compass North-east distance sailed per Log 116 Miles true Course allowed by variation and Leeward way is North 43 d. East difference of Lat. 85 Miles departure East 79 Miles Lat. per Judgment 75 d. 59 m. Meridian distance 750 Miles East the Wind at North-west a fresh Gale Weather variable sometime cloudy and sometimes fair but very cold At Noon we saw Ice right a Head about a League off we sailed close to it and found it to lie away East-south-east and West-north-west we bore away East-south-east along the Ice in the Afternoon we had some small Snow and very cold Weather Friday June 23. From yesterday Noon to this Day Noon we steered along the Ice finding it to have many openings which we sailed into but found them to be Bays our true Course sailed along the Ice the variation allowed was East 14 d. South 77 m. Lat. per Judgment 75 d. 41 m. difference of Lat. 19 m. departure 74 Miles Meridian distance 824 Miles Wind N. N. W. At Noon we sounded and had 158 Fathom soft green Oar and found the Current to set South-south-east we have found very smooth to Leeward of this Ice and in some places found pieces of the Ice driving off a Mile sometimes more or less from the main body of the Ice finding it to be in several strange shapes resembling Trees Beasts Fishes Fowles c. The main Body of the Ice being low but very Craggy being many pieces lying close together and some a top of each other and in some places we saw high hillocks of blue colour but all the rest of the Ice very white as though it were Snow In some places we saw drift Wood amongst the Ice we took up some of the Ice and melted it and the Water very fresh and good this Day we found very cold and freezing Saturday June 24. From the 23. Noon to this Day Noon little Wind at North by West we steered close along the Ice sailing into every opening but could not find any Passage through neither could we see over the Ice in any place from our Topmast-Head true Course Protracted as we sailed along the Ice is East 34 d. South difference of Lat. 24 Miles South departure East 34 Miles Lat. per Judgment 75 d. 18 m. but by a good Observation at Noon the Lat. 74 d. 50 m. the difference between the Dead Lat. and the observed Lat. is 28 Miles which difference hath been caused by the Current setting South-south-east At Noon we sounded and had 128 Fathom Water and the Current as yesterday South-south-east this last 24 Hours fair Weather with little Winds having some small Fogs but lasted not above half an Hour at a time Meridian distance 858 Miles Sunday June 25. From the 24. Noon to this Day Noon little Wind with Calms and the most part foggy so that we durst not venture in the Ice but lay by and stood off true Course Protracted is East 30 d. South difference of Lat. 13 Miles South departure East 19 Miles Lat. per Judgment 74 d. 37 m. Meridian distance 877 Miles East Wind variable from the North-west to the West-south-west At One in the Afternoon the Fog broke up hard freezing Weather our Rigging and Sails frozen for as fast as the Fog fell it freezed Monday June 26. From the 25. Noon to this Day Noon little Wind from the North-west to North Course per Compass between the West-south-west and the North-east distance sailed by the Log 63 Miles difference of Lat. 7 Miles North departure East 58 Miles true Course Protracted is East 7 d. North Lat. per Judgment is 74 d. 40 m. Meridian distance 935 Miles At Noon we stood is close with the Ice and saw something to move we judging it might be Sea-Horses or Morses lying on the Ice we sent our Boat to see and they found two Sea-Horses upon the Ice they fired several shot at them but could not kill them notwithstanding that they were much wounded they got into the Water and so went under the Ice We have found the Ice to lie away East these 24 Hours the Wind at North and very cold and at 12 at Night 70 Fathom green Oar at 9 in the Evening saw Land the North part of it bearing East and the South part South-east being high and covered with Snow about 15 Leagues off Sounded and had 125 Fathom Tuesday June 27. From Monday the 26. to Tuesday 27. little Wind from the North-west to the North by East with Calms we kept close with the Ice and found it joyn to the Land of Nova Zembla true Course Protracted is East by North 30 Miles difference of Lat. 16 Miles departure East 29 Miles Lat. per Judgment 74 d. 46 m. Meridian distance 964 Miles at Noon 83 Fathom Water about 6 Leagues from the Shore we rowed in towards the Shore and found the Ice to lic about 5 Leagues from the Shore we went out of our Boat on
where any Trees grew Here are abundance of Muscles very refreshing Diet and full of Pearl also Limpets and incredible Numbers of Penguins and Seals Anno Dom. 1598. The Fourth Circumnavigation of the Globe was performed by Oliver Noort a Dutchman his chief Pilot being Captain Melis an Englishman who had accompanied Mr. Candish in his Voyage This Noort steer'd much the same Course with Magalianes Drake and Candish having spent near three years in encompassing the Earth He saw upon the Land of Patagonia some Deer a sort of Bufalo and Ostriches We may note here that in the Year 1589 the Delight of Bristol one of the Consorts of John Chidley Esq and Mr. Paul Wheel got into the Streights of Magellan but meeting with Misfortunes was forced back having reach'd only Cape Froward Also in the year 1598. Verhagen ' s Fleet under Sir James Mahu Simon de Cordes Sebald de Wert c. wherein William Adams was chief Pilot suffered great Miseries in these Streights This Sebald de Wert gave Clusius a description of the Winter-bark-Tree growing up and down Patagonia They preserv'd themselves mith Geese Ducks vast large Muscles Penguins Seals c. Returning out of the Streight and sailing Southwards they discovered Sebald's Isles Anno Dom. 1614. George Spilbergen General of a Dutch Fleet of six Ships passed through the Streights of Magellan and the South Sea to the East Indies from whence he returned by the Cape of Good Hope to the Texel having been out about three years This was the Fifth Circumnavigation of the Globe Ann. Don. 1609 1610. Pedro Fernandez Giros a Portuguese and Captain Ferdinand de Quir a Spaniard do both affirm That they sailed at several times above 800 Leagues together on the Coast of a Southern Continent until they came to the height of 15 degrees of South Latitude where they found a very fruitful pleasant and populous Country Giros began to take his Course in the height of the Streights of Magellan This vast Tract of Land perhaps may be one side of or may belong to Jansen Tasmen's Land Van Diemen's Land Zelandia Nova Hollandia Nova Carpentaria and New Guiney which the Dutch afterwards coasted detected and gave Names to many Bays Rivers and Capes in the Years 1619 1622,1627 1628 1642 and 1644. from the Equinoctial to 44 deg South Lat. The Hollanders have indeed made the greatest Discoveries towards the South Terra Incognita which they have not yet divulg'd Dirk Rembrantse about 15 or 16 years ago published in Low Dutch a short Relation out of the Journal of Captain Abel Jensen Tasmen upon his Discoveries of the South Terra Incognita in the year 1642 to the Southward of Nova Hollandia Vandemen's Land c. 'T is remarkable that all the Circumnavigators of the Globe enter'd into the East Indies either by the Philippines or the Molucco's being peradventure hindred from passing round more Southwards by that vast long Chain of Land which seems to stretch almost from the Equinosctial to the 50 degree of South Lat. Therefore they generally steer'd upon the South Sea either for the Isles of Salomon or those called the Ladrones Anno Dom. 1615. Will. Cornelius Schouten of Horn and Jacob le Maire of Amsterdam undertook the Sixth Circumnavigation of the Globe by a new Passage Southwards from the Streights of Magellan in Terra del Fuogo which they happily discovered and passed finding out Sebald's-Isles Staten-Land Maurice-Land Barnevelt-Isles and so by Cape Horn in the 57deg of S. Lat. they found out a new way into the South Sea called ever since Le Maire's Streight in this Voyage they gave Names to several Islands and Countries returning to Holland by the East Indies having been out two years and Eighteen days Aftewards a Spnish Fleet under Bartolemeo Garcias de Nodal Anno 1618. sailed through Le Maire's Passage and in the year 1623. part of Prince Maurice his Fleet steered the same Course discovering some small Isles Nodal saw People near Le Maire's Streight all painted and clad with Birds Skins they fed upon yellow Flowers like Marigolds Anno 1643. Brewer or Brower went another way into the South Sea by a Passage called after his own Name which is east of Le Maire's Streight but whether Brewer went through a New Streight with Land on each side or had a wide Sea on the East we cannot inform you having never seen the Diary of his Voyage but most Maps make it a new Streight the perhaps he might sail near the same Course which Captain Sharp afterwards did they who have his Voyage may soon determine this Doubt The Southern part of Terra Magellanica commonly called Terra del Fuego from the great Fires seen upon it by the Sailors seems by the Observations of the Dutch to be divided into many Isles and Streights leading into both Seas The Country appears mountainous with fair and green Vallies Springs Rivulets and much Herbage The Creeks are fit for Shipping Water and Wood being plentiful The Air is tempestuous from the vast quantity of Vapours from both Oceans The Natives paint their Bodies and deck themselves with Shells and Skins They make their Baskets and Nets of Rushes out of which they twist Lines and hanging Hooks made of Stone and baited with Muscles they take abundance of Fish Their Knives are made of sharpened Bones and all their Arrows are armed with them Their Canoes are like the Venetian Gondola's For the Description of the Northern part of Terra Magellanica commonly called Patagonia we refer the Reader to Sir John Narbrough's Journal printed at the beginning of this Collection Anno 1669. His Majesty of Great Britain His Royal Highness the Duke of York and seveothers of the Nobility design'd a better Discovery of Chili in order whereunto two Ships were sent out under the Conduct of that great Navigator and worthy Commander Sir John Narbrough who returned June 1671 having been out above two years passing and repassing the Streights of Magellan and coasting Patagonia and Chili His Observations and Draughts are the most judicious and exact of of any that went before him Anno 1680. and 1681. Captain Sharp made many bold Adventures on several Islands and Coasts in the South Sea In his return he being quite out of all hopes of recovering the Streights of Magellan or those of Le Maire or Brewer was forced to seek for a Passage farther South than by Cape Horn he went to about 60 deg South Lat. meeting with many Islands of Ice Snow Frosts and Whales departing from a small Place named by him the Duke of York's Island in the South Sea he steered near 800 Leagues to the Eastward and afterwards as many to the Westward The first Land he saw in those three Months was the Island of Barbadoes so that Land in the Streight of Le Maire and in Brewer's Passage must be Islands and not join'd to any great Southern Continent as suppos'd by some Since these Attemps and Undertakings several English Ships have passed
Of the Whales about Spitzbergen and how they differ from other Whales with an exact description of all the parts of a Whale and a what uses they are applied from p. 130 to p. 144 Of the sever ways of catching Whales from p. 145 to p. 156 How they mannage the dead Whales several ways of Trying out of the Train-Oil from the Fat from p. 197 to p. 164 Of the Finn-fish being the length of a Whale but much less in bulk p. 16â— Of Rotz fishes and Sea-qualms Of the Sea May-fly Of the Snail Slime-fish Of the Hat Slime-fish Of the Rose like shaped Slime-fish Of the Slime fish like a Cap. Of the Slime fish like a Fountain from p. 165 to p. 175. Contents of the Supplement A Description of Cherry and other Islands from p. 179 to p. 184 John mayens Island p. 185 Groenland or Engroenland p. 187 The Discovery of Freezland or Friseland p. 206 To the Hon. ble Sam Pepys Esq r. This Mapp of the STREIGHTS of MAGELLAN Drawn by S r Io. n Narbrough is humbly Dedicated by Sam Smith and Benj Wallford A JOURNAL KEPT BY Captain John Narbrough c. MAY 15. 1669. This day being Saturday I received from the Honourable Mr. Wren Secretary to his Royal Highness the Duke of York my Commission to Command his Majesty's Ship the Sweepstakes the Ship being at Deptford in the River of Thames near London Sunday September 26. 1669. Set out at his Majesty's proper Cost one of his own Ships named the Sweepstakes Burthen 300 Tuns with 36 great Ordnance and all other Munition proportionable manned with 80 Men and Boys victualled for fourteen Months at whole allowance of all Provisions both good and wholesom having Oat-meal for Fish and four Tuns and an half of Brandy in lieu of Beer stores of all sorts compleat for twelve months with provision of Craft to take Fish and Fowls a seyne Net and hooks and lines and fisgigs and harping Irons twelve Fowling-pieces with shot and pigs of Lead to make Shot if occasion c. And the Batchelour Pink burthen 70 Tuns with four great Ordnance and all other Munition proportionable mann'd with nineteen Men one Boy victualled for twelve months at whole allowance of all Provision good and wholesom as the Sweepstakes had and stores proportionable for the time and Craft to take Fish and Fowl c. Having a sort of Goods to the value of three hundred pounds as followeth Knives Sissers Glasses Beads Hatchets Bills Hoes Nails Needles Pins Pipes Bells Boxes c. Dassels Linnen Cloth Osenbrigs Tobacco and Pipes c. to trade with the Natives at his Majesty's Charge Wednesday September 29. Hazy weather the Wind to the North-west and by West a fresh gale I stood to the South-west-ward as near as I could this day at twelve a Clock the Lizard bore North of me a little Easterly distance about 12 Leagues according to my account Latitude by account is 49 d. 35 m. This day I spoke with a French Banker Lizard in England lies in the Lat. of 50 d. 10 m. and in Longitude East from the Meridian of the West part of St. Michael one of the Islands of the Azores 18 d. 30 m. From the Lizard I take my departure and keep my daily account of the difference of my Longitude from that Meridian October the 17. I made the Madera which Island is high Land and irregular in Hills with Wood on the top and down the sides Planted with Vines there is some Sugar made in the Island the Inhabitants Portugueses The City of Fonchiale is the Metropolis and is situated in a Bay on the South part of the Island close to the Sea side walled next the Sea and well fortified with Ordnance fresh water comes running into the Sea in the middle of the Bay in a fair Rivulet from under an Arch in the Wall the shoar-sides are great pebble stones in the Bay and Rocks in the other places the Road is foul ground to the East part of it the Ships ride in shot of Ordnance of the City this City is about an English mile in length and three quarters of a mile in breadth The Desarts are barren rocky Isles of a good heighth and lie at the South-east point of Madera above a mile distant from the shore there is water enough between Madera and the Desarts in the midway and no danger the Desarts trent to the South-east Fonchiale Bay in the Isle of Madera lies in the Latitude of 32 d. 10 m. North and in Longitude West from the Lizard of England 10 d. 1 m. and Meridian distance 143 Leagues Sunday being the 17th fair Weather and little wind at North-west Course by my Compass South-west I make my true Course from Fonchiale Bay till to day at noon South-south-west distance sailed 34 miles six tenths departure West 13 miles Diff. Lat. 00 d. 32 m. Lat. by account 31 d. â—8 m. Meridian distance from the Lizard West 147 leagues 1 mile Longitude from the Lizard West 10 d. 17 m. Difference of Longitude from Fonchiale West 00 d. 16 m. To day at noon I saw the Island of Madera bearing N b. E the body of the Isle distant by estimation 11 leagues it makes in a bluff body at the West end and trents to the East Course by the Compass this afternoon SW little wind to night I shaped my nearest Course for the Island of St. Jago with all the sail I could make the Batchelour Pink in Company I gave order to my Master to make the best of his way to St. Jago Island but not to leave the Company of the Batchelour Saturday October 23. The wind at N. b. E. a gale this day in the forenoon I crossed the Tropick of Cancer all my men in good health I praise the Almighty God for it many of my men that had been with me in the Indies formerly were let blood for I take bleeding in these hot Climates to be a great preserver of health diverting Calentures I experienc'd it in two Voyages before to the Island of St. Helena and in one to the Coast of Guinea where several of my men under that distemper were preserved by bleeding in all these Voyages I was never sick one day nor in two years time in the Mediterranean Sea nor at the Canaries for when I came near the Equinoctial I always breathed a Vein Thursday October 28. the Wind at east-north-East-North-East a stiff gale this Morning I saw the Isle of Mayo bearing S. b. W. distant by estimation eight Leagues it makes a high Hill and Craggy to the East part and low land towards the shore-side to the North-west part of the Island it lies from Bâ—navist S. b. W. distant near 18 leagues This day at 11 a Clock I anchored in the Road in seven fathom water sandy Ground about a mile from the shore the Northernmost point of the Road bearing N. N. W. half a point to the West and the Southern point of the Road bearing South-east
Flawes Commander being bound upon the Discovery with us At Eight at Night the Naz◠Land boar West North about six Leagues we steered away North-east and North-north-east Monday May 29. The Wind at South-west and West-south-west a fresh Gale with Showers of Rain Course per Compass between the north-North-east and the North distance sailed by the Log 73 Miles true Course Protracted since last Night Eight a Clock to this Day Noon is North 28 d. East difference of Lat. 68 Miles and departure East from the Naze Land 36 Miles Lat. by Judgment as in the Margent Thick cloudy Weather Tuesday May 30. From yesterday Noon to this Day Noon the Wind variable from South-west to the South-east thick cloudy Weather and a fresh Gale Course per Compass North-north-west and North-west by North distance sailed by the Log 95 Miles true Course is North 28 d. West distance of Lat. 83 Miles departure West 45 Miles Lat. per Judgment Meridian distance West nine Miles Wednesday May 31. From yesterday Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable with Calms and Rains Courses per Traverse true Course Protracted with all impediments allowed is North 43 d. West 60 Miles difference of Lat. 42. Miles departure West 40 Miles Lat. per Judgment 54 d. 13 m. Lat. by a good Observation at Noon 55 d. 30 m. at which time the Land between New-Castle and Berwick bore West about 8 or 9 Leagues Meridian distance Current from the bearing of the Land and the Lat. is 88 Miles 50 Fathom Water saw two Ships standing to the Southward but would not show their Colours Thursday June 1. From yesterday Noon to this Day Noon a fresh Gale from the West by South to the South-west Course per Compass between the North and the North-west distance sailed by the Log 76 Miles true Course Protracted is North 16 d. West Lat. by a good Observation 56 d. 41 m. departure West 21 Miles At nine in the Morning we gave Chase to a Scotch Fisherman and at Noon came up with her and bought some Fish of him at Noon a hard Gale steered away North being about seven or eight Leagues from the Land between Montross and Edenburgh we steered along the Course North by East till eight a Clock Friday June 2. From yesterday Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable with fair Weather Course per Compass North distance sailed by the Log 117 Miles but by a good Observation 120 Miles Lat. 58 d. 41 m. Winds from the West-south-west to the South-west At two a Clock a great gust of Wind at North-west with Rain we hand our Top-sails and at three it blew a Storm of Wind we lay a Try under a Main-sail till ten a Clock then sent our Fore-sail Saturday June 3. From yesterday Noon to this day Noon true Course Protracted Leeward way and all impediments allowed is North East 42 Miles Lat. by a good Observation is 59 d. 23 m. Meridian distance from the Naze Land is 100 Miles at Noon saw a small Island called Foril lying to the South of Shetland bearing West-north-west about four Leagues in the Afternoon little Wind. Note that we found the Ship more to the Westward than expected being caused by a variation of 6 or 7 d. East Sunday June 4. This Forenoon little Wind with Calms till about 12 at Noon at which time sprung up a Gale West-north-west blowing very hard we ply to windward and turned into Brace-Sound and anchored in nine Fathom Water right against the Town called Lerwick here is the remains of a Fort that was built in the time of War with Holland but upon the Peace with the Hollanders it was demolished for fear any other Nation might come and take it and so keep it Saturday June 10. Rid still till Saturday seven a Clock at which time Weighed the Wind at South-west we took in a Pilot and sailed out through the North end of Brace Sound having three Fathom Water over the shallowest place Sunday June 11. At four in the Morning Scau bore West by North about six Leagues a fresh Gale at South-west hasey Weather From four in the Morning till twelve at Night Course north-north-North-north-east distance sailed by the Log 35 Miles true Course allowed from the bearing of the Land is North-east 41 Miles difference of Lat. 30 Miles Lat. by Judgment 61 d. 26 m. Meridian distance from Shetland 30 Miles East From yesterday Noon to this Day Noon a strong Gale at South-west West-south-west West and West-north-west Course per Compass North-north-east distance sailed by the Log 147 Miles difference of Lat. 135 Miles departure East 56 Miles Lat. by Judgment 63 d. 42 m. Meridian distance East 86 Miles thick cloudy Weather at Noon little Wind. Tuesday June 13. From yesterday Noon to this Day little Wind and variable with Calms from the North-west to North-north-east we ply to windward True Course Protracted all impediments allowed is North-north-east 23 Miles difference of Lat. 21 Miles North departure East 8 Miles Lat. by Judgment 64 d. 03 m. Meridian distance 94 Miles Lat. by a good Observation 64 d. 03 m. Wednesday June 14. From the 13. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable with fresh Gales Rains and little Winds Course per Traverse between the North-east and the North distance sailed by the Log 92 Miles true Course Protracted all impediments allowed is North 18 d. difference of Lat. 81 Miles departure East 30 Miles Meridian distance 124 Miles Thursday June 15. From the 14. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable with Calms from the West to the South-west Course per Compass North-north-east distance sailed by the Log 67 Miles true Course Protracted with allowance is North 22 ½ d. East difference of Lat. 62 Miles departure East 26 Miles Lat. per Judgment 66 d. 26 m. Meridian distance 150 Miles East At Noon broke our Main Topsail-Yard being rotten in the Slings thick hasey Weather Friday June 16. From the 15. Noon to this Day Noon a fresh Gale at West-north-west and West-south-west with Rains and thick Weather Course per Compass North-north-east and North-east by North distance sailed per Log 126 Miles true Course Protracted is North 30 d. East difference of Lat. 108 Miles departure East 63 Miles Lat per Judgment 68 d. 14 m. Meridian distance 223 Miles Saturday June 17. From the 16. Noon to this Day Noon a fresh Gale at West-north-west and West with Rain and cloudy Weather Course per Compass North-east distance sailed by the Log 127 Miles difference of Lat. 90 Miles departure East 90 Miles Lat per Judgment 69 d. 48 m. Meridian distance 303 Miles but by a good Observation at Noon Lat. 69 d. 53 m. difference of Lat. between the Dead Reckoning and Observation is 9 Miles which imputed to a westerly variation which is found by an Azimuth 7 d. Meridian distance Corrected is 300 Miles fair Weather Sunday June 18. From the 17. Noon to this day Noon the Wind from West-north-west to the
great Fogs from the South-south-east to the West-north-west Course per Compass between the South-west and the West distance sailed by the Log 91 Miles true Course Protracted is South-west by South 87 Miles difference of Lat. 76 Miles departure 43 Miles Lat. per Judgment 73 d. 08 m. Meridian distance 625 Miles At Noon no ground with 160 Fathom Lines Monday July 24. From the 23. Noon to this Day Noon little Winds and variable with Calms true Course allowed is South-south-west ¾ West 22 Miles distance of Lat. 18 Miles departure 11 Miles Lat per Judgment 72 d. 50 m. Meridian distance 636 Miles Tuesday July 25. From the 24. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind variable with fresh Gales from North by West to the East with Fogs Course between the West-south-west and South-west distance sailed by the Log 88 Miles true Course allowed for 9 d. variation is South-west ½ Westerly distance of Lat. 54 Miles departure 69 Miles Lat. per Judgment 71 d. 56 m. Meridian distance 705 Miles Wednesday July 26. From the 25. Noon to this day Noon the Wind variable from the East by North to the South with thick Fogs Distance sailed by the Log 73 Miles Course per Compass between the South-west by West and West-north-west true Course Protracted is West ½ South distance of Lat. 7 Miles departure 67 Miles Thursday July 27. From the 26. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds from the South to the South-west with great Fogs Distance sailed by the Log 68 Miles true Course allowed West ½ South difference of Lat. 7 Miles departure 62 Miles West Friday July 28. From the 27. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind from the South-south-west to the South-east Course per Compass between the West by North and the South-west close upon a Wind distance sailed by the Log 85 Miles true Course Protracted is South-west by West ¼ 80 Miles distance of Latitude 46 Miles South departure 64 Miles West thick Fogs with small Rain Saturday July 29. From the 28. Noon to this Day Noon much Wind from the South to the South-west we tryed under a Main-sail three Watches true Course allowed is West 15 Miles Sunday July 30. From the 29. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind variable from South-east to the South and so to the North-west with sudden gusts with much Rain then little Wind at 8 this Morning much Wind at North-west true Course Protracted all impediments allowed is South-south-west 66 Miles distance of Lat. 60 Miles departure 25 Miles Monday July 31. From the 30. Noon to this Day Noon much Wind at North-west with Rain Course per Compass South-west by South and South-west distance sailed by the Log 104 Miles true Course allowed for Leeward-way and variation South by West ½ West difference of Lat. 103 Miles departure 11 Miles Lat. per Dead Reckoning 68 d. 13 m. but by Observation 68 d. 00â—â—m departure accordingly Corrected 15 Miles Meridian distance 953 Miles Tuesday August 1. From the 31. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind variable from the North-west to the South-west by West distance sailed by the Log 80 Miles we ply to Windward true Course Protracted variation and Leeward-way allowed distance West-south-west difference of Lat. 72 Miles departure 51 Miles thick cloudy Weather with some small Rains and Fogs Wednesday August 2. From the 1. Noon to this Day Noon from the South by West to the South-west thick Fogs Course per Compass between the West by South and the West-north-west distance sailed by the Log 51 Miles true Course allowed is West by North difference of Lat. 12 Miles departure 49 Miles Lat. per Judgment 67 d. 50 m. but by a good Observation Lat. 67 d. 55 m. at Noon clear Weather Thursday August 3. From the 2. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind from the West to the South-south-west with Fogs and Rains Course per Traverse we ply to Windward true Course Protracted is South-south-west distance of Lat. 21 Miles departure 10 Miles at Night much Wind at South we lay under a Main-sail Friday August 4. From 8 at Night to this Day Noon a Storm of Wind at South and S. S. W. True Course Drist and all impediments allowed is North-west by North ¼ West difference of Lat. 18 Miles depareture 16 Miles at Noon less Wind we set our Fore-sail Saturday August 5. From the 4. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind from the West by South to the North-west a very cold Strom true Course allowed is South by East difference of Lat. 75 Miles departure 15 Miles in the Afternoon little Wind. Sunday August 6. From the 5. Noon to this Day Noon fresh Gales and little Wind from the West-north-west to the West-south-west True Course allowed South ¼ East distance of Lat. 67 Miles departure 8 Miles Monday August 7. From the 6. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind at South and South-west sometimes much Wind and then Calm again True Course allowed per Judgment is West-north-west ¼ North 53 Miles difference of Lat. 22 Miles departure West 47 Miles at Noon the Wind came about to the West-north-west much Wind and at 8 it blew a Strom at Northwest Tuesday August 8. From yesterday 8 at Night to this Day Noon a Strom of Wind at North-west we run away with our Fore-sail Reeft Course per Compass South-south-west distance sailed by the Log 116 Miles true Course allowed is South distance of Lat. 107. Miles departure West 5 Miles Wednesday August 9. At 3 in the Morning a fresh Gale saw many Willocks and other Sea-Fowls and at 5 we saw the Land east-south-East-south-east from us being high Land and making like Islands being the Isles of Fero. At Noon Lat. by a good Observation 61 d. 45 m. at which time the Westermost Island bore East about 8 Leagues off Distance sailed from yesterday Noon to this Day Noon 120 Miles true Course allowed South by West ¼ Westerly distance of Lat. 116 Miles departure 26 Miles Lat. per Judgment 62 d. 04 m. distance between the Dead Lat. and the observed Lat. 20 Miles so that the Ship is 20 Miles more Southerly and consequently more Westerly Meridian distance 1129 Miles but by Correction 1136 Miles we saw a small Vessel and gave chase to her but she made from us Thursday August 10. From the 9. Noon to this Day Noon a fresh Gale at North-west Course between the South and East-south-east to get clear of the Islands in the Night distance sailed by the Log 102 Miles true Course Protracted is South-east by East ¼ South distance of Lat. 58 Miles departure 76 Miles spoke with the Ship we saw yesterday being a Lyn Man come from the Island Friday August 11. From the 10. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind at North-north-west Course per Compass South-east by east distance sailed by the Log 83 Miles at Noon the Island Foule bore North-east by East about 3 Leagues off the Wind came about at South Saturday August 12. From the 11. Noon to this
East-south-east along the Ice which is nothing else but a small Tide which riseth some 8 Foot Thus the Ice having been an obstacle in our way as also the cause of my coming so far to the Eastward which before I never intended I will come to the misfortune that happened to us in the loss of our Ship which was thus being amongst the Ice the 29. Day of June in the Morning we had like to have been inclosed in it it proving likewise foggy Weather I stood out to the Southward thinking to lye there till fairer Weather or to spend some time to the Southward and then come up to the Ice again to see if there might be any alteration in it as to its removal either East West North or south but all this Day it proved foggy dirty Weahter the Wind being at West so we lay South-south-west with the Stem and by our Judgment and Reckoning the Westermost Land of Nova Zembla bore from us East-south-east that was 4 Points under our Lee Bow But such was our misfortune that it proved not so for about 10 of the Clock Captain Flawes being upon our Weather Quarter fired a Gun and bore to me and called out that there was Ice a Head then I looking out a Head saw something white just under the Bow which presently I perceived to be a breath and no Ice now if I had staied with the Ship Captain Flawes being to Windward I should have been on Board of him and then certainly we had been both lost so I was forced to bear up with hope that I might get clear of it but the Ship being a great while wearing struck on the Rock her Head lying to Seaward which if it had not but that the Broadside had been to the Sea we had all perished without Gods great mercy Captain Flawes in the mean time being a shorter Ship wore round and came close under our Stern and with great Providence escaped and stood off to Sea here we lay beating on the Rock in most cruel manner for the space of 3 or 4 hours using all possible means to save her but all in vain for it blew so hard that it was impossible to carry out an Anchor capable to do us any service though we had an opportunity to carry a small Anchor and warp to hall another out by which signified but little the Ship all this while lay and at the end of 4 or 5 hours we saw Land close under our Stern to the great amazement of us all which before we could not see for the foggy Weather so I commanded the Men to get out our Boats before our Mast came by the Board which was done I sent the Boatswain toward the Shore in the Pinnace to see if there was any possibility of landing which I much feared because the Sea ran so high In half an hour he returned with this answer that it was impossible to save a Man the Sea ran so high and the Snow being in high Clifts on Shore was unaccessible which was but bad tidings so then it was high time to think on the safety of our Souls and we went all together to Prayers to beseech God to have Mercy on us for now nothing but individual ruin appeared before our Eyes after Prayers being done it proved a little clearer Weather and I looking over the Stern saw a small Beach directly with the Stern of the Ship where I thought might be some possibility of landing so I sent the Pinnace again with some Men to be landed but they durst not venture on Shore so I sent the Long-Boat with some 20 Men to Land who attempted it and got safe on Shore so they in the Pinnace seeing that followed them and their Men likewise and both returned on Board again now the Men on the Shore sent to me desire some Fire-Arms and Ammunition for there was many Bears on Shore so I caused to be put into the Pinnace two Barrels of Powder that we had saved dry before the Ship was belged and some small Arms and some Provision with my own Papers and Mony but as she put off from the Ship side a Sea overset her so that all was lost with the life of one Man by name John Bosman being Coopers Mate and several others taken up for dead the Long-Boat being then on Shore to Land more Men and they hearing us call from aboard when as then we could not see the Shore they came on Board and saved the Men but the Pinnace was all broke to pieces which was no small grief to us so the Long-Boat being on Board and the Sea running prodigious high the Boatswain and some others would compel me and the Lieutenant to leave the Ship saying that it was impossible for the Boat to live any longer in that Sea and that they had rather be drowned than I but desiring me when I came on Shore if it were possible to send the Boat again for them so I being half way on Shore the Ship over-set so I made all the hast possible to Land them Men I had in the Boat and having landed them I went off to the Ship again to save those poor Men that had been so kind to me before so with great hazard I got with the Boat to the Quarter of the Ship and they came down the Ladder into the Boat only one Man who was left for dead which was one that had been cast away in the Pinnace whose name was Alexander Frazor a very pretty Saylor So I returned to the Shore and got safe to Land though very wet and cold so we hauled up the Boat on Shore and went up the Land about a flightshoot where our Men were making a Fire and a Tent with Canvas and Oars which we had saved for that Purpose so we lay all that Night very cold wet and weary The next Morning the Man that we left on Board recovered and got unto the Mizen-Top for that Mast we left standing when we came away the other we had cut all down The Ship laboured and beat violently but it blew so hard and the Sea ran so high that it was impossible to save him so the Weather continuing blowing with extreme Fogs and with Frost and Snow and all the ill compacted Weather that could be imagined together We built more Tents to preserve our selves and the Ship breaking in pieces came all ashore to the same place where we landed which served for shelter and Firing besides there came to us some Hogsheads of Flower and Brandy good store which was no little Comfort in our great Extremity Here we lay betwixt hope and despair hoping for fair Weather that Captian Flawes might find us which was impossible that ever he should do if it continued foggy and some despairing of his being safe but that he might be Lost as well as we But supposing we never was to see him again I was resolved to try the utmost to save as many as I could in
and the little ones swiming faster then the great ones which often causeth a stoppage so that they crowd upon one another not without great danger of the Ships which are often catcht between and broken by them See the Plate B at a. The Seamen hinder the pressing on of the Ice as much as in them lieth with great Ice-hooks but what small help this affordeth them daily experience testifies sufficienty In fair weather the mischief is as soon done as in tempestuous because the Ice drives in the Sea either with the stream or wind as either of them is the more prevalent crashing and grinding against each other whence the danger arises to the Ships for after such a manner many Ships perish See Plate B. They say that a dead Whale tied to the Ship is the best defence against the Ice Others hang the Tails and Fins about their Ship which way is not to be rejected for it is of great use to them to prevent the danger of the squeezing of the Ice they have examples that in such squeezing of the Ice a dead Whale hath preserved them The Ice rises out of the Sea as high as a Mountain the striking of them together makes so great a noise that one can hardly hear his own words and from this joyning together of the Ice the great Ice-hills are made that drive up and down in the Sea Other great Ice fields are not so high as the Ice hills yet notwithstanding they are hardly ever quite plain and without a Hill you see the Ice under water as deep as you can see It is all of a blew colour but the deeper you look the purer blew you see which beautiful colour changes with the Air for if it be rainy weather this colour groweth paler I also have often seen the Ice underneath the water very green the occasion whereof was the troubled Air whence the Sea assumeth this colour I wonder that upon the largest Ice-fields no high Mountains are seen as are seen where the Ice grinds and dashes one against the other I am of opinion that the Ice melts towards the bottoms for one may see it spungy for else if one would compute from the beginning it must have reached the very ground even in the middle of the depth of the sea I have seen in Spitzbergen white Ice that was frozen quite curled it look'd just like Sugar-candy was very hard and thick and swam even with the Seas surface The Ships are not always in this danger of sqeezing for often times there is little or no Ice to be seen there although you are a great way in the place where it usually is but as soon as a wind arises you would admire from whence so great a quantity of Ice should come in less then an hours time At the greatest Ice-fields of all Ships do not always ride the safest since by reason of the bigness and the motion of the Sea these Ice-fields break not without danger When such Ice-fields break they part asunder which causeth a Whirl-pool in the Sea where all the out-parts press to the Centre and by that means the pieces of the Ice-fields raise themselves up and dash and grind against each other When we came to 71 degrees in the Month of April we saw the first Ice and so we failed up and down by the Ice until that Month was spent for so early in the year no body dares venture himself into or amongst the Ice by reason of the stormy winds and some times the Ice is still fixed and stands firm and therefore there is but a few Whales seen for underneath the Ice they cannot breathe Into the Ice we sailed at 77 degrees and 24 minutes and drove with that sheet of Ice towards the South In this Month and also in the following Month of May are the most Whales seen here which run towards the East and we follow them all along by the Ice to Spitzbergen Near to the Land smaller Ice-fields are seen because the Ice cannot give way by reason of the Land which causeth greater grinding and breaking and upon that account smaller Ice than is in the open Sea Yet for all this some greater Ice-Mountains are seen there that stand firm on the shoar and never melt at bottom but increase every year higher and higher by reason of the Snow that falls on them and then Rains that freezes and then Snow again alternately and after this manner the Icy-hills increase yearly and are never melted by the heat of the Sun at the top These Ice-Mounts change their first colour in time by the Air by Rain and by the Clouds and the fairest blew that can be is seen in the cracks of these Ice-hills From these same Ice-hills oftentimes break off great pieces that swin in the Sea and is more compact than the other Ice by far I once saw one of these pieces that was curiously workt and carved as it were by the Sea like a Church with arched Windows and Pillars the Doors and Windows hung full of Icikles on the inside thereof I saw the delicatest blew that can be imagined it was bigger than our Ship and somewhat higher than our stern but how deep it was under water I cannot exactly tell Near unto the Muscle-Haven a great Ice-hill came driving towards our Ship that was as high as our Poop and went so deep under water that it took up our Anchor which lay fifteen Fathoms deep I have also seen several others and of other figures viz. round and foursquare Tables with round and blew Pillars underneath as in Plate B marked with f the Table was very smooth and plain at the top and white with the Snow at the sides hung down a great many Icikles close to one another like a fringed Table-cloth I believe that near forty men might have sat about it I have seen of these Tables with one foot and with two or three Pillars and abundance of Seales swam about it The Dishes that furnisht this Table were a piece of Ice like an Horses head and a Swan I doubt they were but salt You must observe that this Ice becometh very spungy by the dashing of the Sea and from thence grows salt like Sea-water and thence also changeth its colour viz. from the Sea and Rain-water mixt with it for you shall commonly see the Water look blew or yellow if you walk under water with your eyes open and look upwards The other Ice as far as it is above water is of a taste like other Ice but that below the Sea salt like the Sea-water When we arrived at Spitzbergen the Ice at Rehenfelt was as yet fixed but a few days afterwards it was driven away by the winds The Ice begirts these Countries on all sides as the Wind sets either from the Island of John Mayen Old Greenland and Nova Zembla We found at this time that the Ice reached from the other side of Spitzbergen and the Ships sailed between the Ice and
into the South Sea both by the Streights of Magellan and by the South of Cape Horn but what Trade they manage in those Parts or what Discoveries they have made or what Articles and Treaty they are engaged in with the Spaniard we cannot inform the Reader being no Merchants our selves nor having seen any Journals or Voyages of those Quarters of the World besides those before-mentioned In these Navigations to the Streights of Magellan through the South Sea and by the East Indies home again the Common things noted in the several Voyages beside the Winds Longitudes Latitudes Variations of the Compass Tydes Soundings c. are Flying Fishes Dolphins Albacores Bonito's Sharks Tropick Birds The Sea Weeds called Sargasso and Tromba the Aromatick Tree bearing Winter's Spicy Bark Guanico's or Indian Sheep a Species of small Camels Infinite Numbers of Penguins Seals Muscles Whales Ostriches c. These observed in sailing to and through the Streights of Magellan by the several Navigators aforementioned In the Islands on the South Sea Coco-trees Plantanes Bonana's Pine Apples Indian Figs Limes Hogs with Scent-bags on their Backs a sort of Coney Monkeys Goats Turtle Almonds of four sorts Sugar Canes Oysters on Trees c. Entring upon the Molucco's Nutmeg Trees with Mace Clove Trees Birds of Paradise and great Heats On the Islands of Java Sumatra and Borneo the Faufel Palm or Arek Pepper Shrubs Betele Shrubs Jacks Mango's Durio's Cajou's Jambo's Papaio's Arbor Rays Arbor Tristis Bambou's Ginger Cardamums Lacca Trees Benzoin Trees Camphire Trees Tamarinds Cassia Mirobolanes Cubebs Costus Galanga Bangue Dutroy Snake-wood Calambac Lignum Aloës c. Towards the Gulf of Bengal Elephants Rhinocerots Lions Tygers Crocodiles c. Upon the Maldives and Ceylon Maldiva Nuts floating Woods of Cinamon Trees Oranges Limons Plantations of Rice great Varieties of Palms c. At the Cape of Good Hope Hippopotami Zebra's Gazells Jacalls Flammants Penguins Pelicans Ostriches Cassowares vast numbers of Divers Duckers and other Sea Birds great Varieties of Crustaceous and Testaceous Animals of Lizards Serpents c. At the Canary Islands several Vulcano's Brimstone the Fountain Tree in Ferro the Rhodium Plant Euphorbium Dates Gum Dragon Trees c. But we must note here that besides and since the aforementioned Navigators and Voyagers more particular and fuller Observations have been made upon several of those parts of the World towards the East and West Indies by Physitians and Others who have resided long in those Regions or else received rich Collections from thence But as to the most Northerly Countries all we have is from the Navigators The best of whose Observations are all contained in the Volume we here publish 'T is now high time to hasten to the North and to give a short Chronological Account of the several Navigations and Discoveries made towards the North East and North West viz. Nova Zembla North East Greenland or Spitsberg and North West Greenland commonly called Groneland and Engronelandt Anno Dom. 1380. Nicolo and Antonio Zeni two rich Venetians and Brothers sailed from Gibraltar intending for Flanders and England but by great Storms were driven Northwards to Friseland Iceland Groneland or Engronland for which we refer the Reader to Hackluyt and Purchas Anno Dom. 1497. John Cabot and Sebastian Cabot his son Venetians were sent out of England by Henry VII These after their Return gave an Account and Draught of some North West parts of America and brought four of the Natives back with them Anno Dom 1553. Sir Hugh Willoughby went out to discover a North East Passage and sailed above 160 Leagues North Easterly from Seynam which lies in 70 deg North Lat. 'T is very probable he landed on Nova Zembla and Greeland from whence the Cold and Ice forced him to return more Southerly till he came to Arzina a River in Lapland where the next Spring that great Man with all his Company were found frozen to death in the Ship in this year the Russia Company began to incorporate Anno Dom. 1556. Stephen Burrows searching a Passage by the North East to the Indies sailed to 80 deg 7. min. and thence to Nova Zembla having been in all likelyhood upon Greenland by the desolate Land the blue Ice and great numbers of various Fowls which be mentions About this time the Russia Company was established and sent yearly ships and factors and presently after Ambassadours from Queen Elizabeth Ann. Dom. 1576 1577 1578 Sir Martin Forbisher made three several Voyages to find out a North West Passage in which he made several new Discoveries of great Sreights Bays Islands and Capes as well as Land on both sides to all which he gave Names His Men brought home great store of glittering Marchasites which the London Goldsmiths took to be Gold Oars He met with Inhabitants on the Shores of the Streight called by his Name their Canoes were made of Seal-skins at top but wood Keels They exchanged Salmon and other Fish for Toyes In their Tents abundance of Red Beans were found like unto those of Guinea But more of Frobisher ' s Observations in our Supplement at the end of this Work Anno Dom. 1580. Arthur Pet and Charles Jackman sailed all over these Northern Seas and passed into Waigats Streights plying along the East part of Nova Zembla so far as the Ice would give them leave and finding no possibility of Passage returned back the latter end of the year Anno 1583. Sir Humfrey Gilbert by the instigation of Secretary Walsingham sailed to Newfoundland and the great River of S. Laurence in Canada which he took Possession of in the Name of Queen Elizabeth and setled a Fishing-Trade there An. Dom. 1585. Mr. John Davis was employ'd to search out to the North-West beyond where Frobisher went he made further Discoveries in those Parts which see in Hakluyt and Purchas This Davis made three Voyages to the North-West During his stay at Cape Desolation he found many pieces of Fur and Wooll like to Beaver and exchanged Commodities with the Country People Upon the Rocks and in the Moss grew a Shrub whose fruit was very sweet full of red juice like currans perhaps 't is the same with the New-England Cranberry or Bear-Berry lall'd so from the Bears devouring it very greedily with which we make Tarts Vitis Idaea palustris fructu majore apud Josselin de Nova Anglia The Natives often repair'd to him in their Canoeâ—s bringing with them Stag's Skins white Hares small Cod dry Caplin several Copper Oars Muscles c. In his returning out of the Fretum Davis see our Chart of the Northern Reigons he meets marvellous store of Sea Fowl and Cod Woods of Pine-Apple Spruce Elder Ewe or Yew Withy Birch Geese Ducks Black-Birds Thrush Jayes Partridge Pheasant c. Black Pumice-stones and Salt kerned upon the Rocks white and glistering Unicorn and other Whales See more of Davis in our supplement at the end of this Volume An. Dom. 1594 1595 1596. William Barents a Dutchman made three several
of North Lat. In the building of Houses Tents and Cabins upon these melancholy occasions 't was found expedient to make them under ground and to line them with the skins of Beasts thereby to keep out the sharp impressions of the air Authors are a little confus'd in the History of Whales some reckon up 10 Species but Wormius and Bartholine make them up 22. giving them various Names from their difference in Colours in Fins in Teeth in Whalebone in Spouts in Oyl in Sperma Ceti c. Rondeletius Gesner Bellonius Schonveld Faber Clusius and Tulpius seem indeed to describe 6 or 7 distinct sorts of Whales as the Balaena Vulgaris the Balaena Vera the Orca or Balaena dentata perhaps our Grampus the Physeter or Whirle-Pool the Cete or Pot-Walfish the Monoceros or Unicorn Whale The Trumpa Whale or Spouter may perhaps be the Physeter and the Sperma Ceti Whale the Pot-Walfish thothe Spout and Sperma Ceti may be common to many of them We find in the Philosophical Transactions Numb 205. An Account of Whales by Sir Thomas Sybbalds who has had opportunities of viewing them on the Coasts of Scotland and therefore seems to be more exact than other Writers but we having never read this Book must be content to refer the Reader to it expecting in the mean time more clear distinctions of them from the Excellent Mr. Ray in his intended Synopsis of Fishes and Birds Anno Dom. 1653. The King of Denmark resolv'd to advance the Northern Trade and Discoveries and therefore equipp'd and set out three Ships with Orders to take the most exact Account of all the Coasts and Places they came at and to Report them at their return with all possible Curiosity that thereby the Voyage might be every way beneficial They passed the Weygat Streights and found some Inhabitants of Nova Zembla in their Canoes or little Fishing-Boats These people were very nimble on Foot and were cloath'd with Vestments of the Skins of great Birds like Penguins and Pelicans with the Feathers upon them Their Boots were made of the Hides of Morses or great Seals they had Quivers at their backs full of Arrowes with a Hatchet of Fish-Bones their Temper untractable and indocil abhorring our Beer Spirits and Meats Leaving Nova Zembla they streer'd to Greenland These Countries afford no Trees or Shrubs except a little Juniper and a few dwarf Firs abundance of Moss Heath a sort of Cabbage Lettice Scurvygrass Sorrel Snake-weed Harts-tongue a kind of Strawberry divers species of Ranunculus and Houseleek In the Holes and Rocks infinite quantity of Fowls Nests whose dung with the Moss washed down makes a mould in the Valleys or Clefts which produce the aforementioned Plants otherwise the Country is generally made up of vast heaps of Rocks broken Stones and Ice heaped up from many Generations Of Water-Fowb there is incredible variety and in so great abundance that with their flight they darken the Sun and cover the Sea There are also great quantities of Dog-Fishes Lobsters Gernels Star-Fish Mackrel Dolphins c. a sort of Sea-Spider found in Whales Stomachs For all which see the French Relations of the Danish Voyages Printed at Paris both by M. Peyrere and Martiniere Anno Dom. 1630. Captain Luke Fox was sent out in His Majesties Pinnace the Charles Victualed for 18 Months young Sir John Wolstenhome being Treasurer to search out a North-West Passage He traced Frobisher Hudson Davis Baffin and Button meeting with Whales much Ice and Fowls He built a Pinnace in River Nelson where he found several remains left there by Sir Thomas Button he observed abundance of small spruce Fir-Trees on both sides that River almost covered with moss and other sorts of Trees but small the Valleys had good grass Black-Berries Strawberries Vetches Venison c. but no Natives or Inhabitants to be met with in this place tho in other parts of these Seas he saw several Savages Captain James departing from England soon after Captain Fox upon the same design they both met and caress'd each other near Port Nelson in the month of August Fox got home before winter but the other was forced to stay till the next Summer Of which more in the following Paragraph and in our Supplement at the end Anno 1631. The most ingenious Captain Thomas James was employ'd by the inquisitive Merchants of Bristol to attempt and discover a North-West Passage into the South-Sea and was designed for so difficult a work by King Charles the First who was pleased to command him to publish his Voyage in the year 1633. wherein he gives a very accurate and judicious Account of the hardships both in going wintering returning as also of the Streights Capes Bays Tydes Soundings Variations of the Compass and of the Natural Rarities both Philosophical and Mathematical together with a Plat or Card and divers Tables Out of this Journal Mr. Boyle confesses that he took many Passages and Phaenomena related in his History of Cold. This excellent Navigator seems to be of opinion that there is no passing by the North-West to China Japan c. His Reasons may be read at large in his Journal printed at London in Quarto 1633. Yet in the year 1667. this design was renewed and undertaken by several of the Nobility of England and Merchants of London who equipp'd and sent out Zachariah Gillam Commander in the Nonsuch Ketch he passed through Hudson's Streights then into Baffins Bay to the Latitude of 75. from thence Southerly to the Lat. of 51. or thereabruts in a River now called Prince Ruperts River he found here a Friendly Correspondence with the Natives built a Fort called Charles Fort returned with good success and laid the Foundation of an advantageous Trade in those parts But in the year 1687. this place was seized upon by the French See more of Captain James's Voyage and Discoveries in our Supplement at the end Anno 1671. Frederick Martens an Hamburger undertook the Greenland Voyage upon a desire as may be suppos'd in great part to satisfie the Curiosity and Enquiries of the Royal Society which be performed in his admirable Diary printed in High Dutch in Quarto being assisted therein by the famous Fogelius Anno 1676. The industrious and most ingenious Captain Wood was again sent out by his Majesty King Charles the Second to make a more perfect Discovery of the North-East Parts for a passage to the East-Indies He went no further than the 76 Degree of North Lat. where he lost his Ship on the Coast of Nova Zembla His opinion is there is no sailing this north-North-East Way to China Japan c. The like opinion Captain James hath given of the North-West Passage being both perswaded thereunto by the stretching of the Land by the distraction and reversion of half Tides by the motion of the Ice c. besides the Fogs Snow Frosts vast Islands of Ice and the Weather are insuperable Mr. Witsen in his Letter to the Royal Society Anno 1691. writes
sometimes one way sometimes another Wind at South-west and by South a small gale I hoisted out my Boat and sounded but no ground at 140 Fathoms I tried the Current with my Boat but found little or none worth notice the Sea ripled in many places I sounded on them but no ground at 108 Fathom several Beds of Sea-weed driving to and fro in knots these Weeds are five or six Fathom long in strings with broad leaves on them of a brown colour at the root hangs a Clod or Rock of 2 or 3 pound weight several Sea-Fowls flying and swimming near the Ship being quite clam my Men kill'd some of them with their Birding-pieces for they were very tame not moving at the report of of a Gun they are very like to Sea-Gulls and good meet some Seals and Whales seen February 5. were seen several beds of Rock-weed and Sea-Fowls much like Gannets some black others white pied and grey small Seal-fishes like so many Dogs for their Heads resemble Bull-dogs which they 'l keep above Water a long time and look at the Ship they are very nimble at diving and skipping out of the Water This Afternoon at seven a Clock I was in the Latitude of 41 degrees South and Longitude West from the Lizard of England 52 deg and 50 min. and in Meridian distance from the Lizard 895 Leagues Meridian distance from Port Praya 616 Leagues Longitude from Port Praya West 36 d. 34 m. This Night I advised with Don Carolus where it would be best for us to hale in with the Land in what Latitude or at what Cape or Harbour on this Coast of America being now to the South-ward of the River of Plate and according to my Instructions before the Coast to be discover'd and a Trade set on foot with the Natives He told me I might do what I would for he did not understand the Coast nor where 't was inhabited 't was his whole Discourse in the Voyage that he had been here in a Galley and knew all the Coasts from the River of Plate to the Streights and thorow the Streights all along the West Coast to Baldavia and Lima being arrived here as far as I can perceive by him he knows nothing of the matter nor any thing appertaining to Navigation all I can fancy of him is that he may have liv'd with a West Indian Governour whom he has heard talk of these Parts February 8. at 7 a Clock this Afternoon the Wind came to the West South-west a stiff gale I stood to the Southward much Rock-weed pass'd by the Ship to day and several Sea-Fowls seen very cold for the Season being Summer which Don Carolus began to complain of and told me he did not think we should have come so far Southerly I shew'd him by my Plates how far we were to go through the Streights and along the West Coast he said the Spaniards went to Chile a nearer way I answer'd 't was into the River of Plate and over Land which we could not do My Company are all in good health but some of a puny Race grow weak in being so long on Shipboard I give them Vinegar once a Week which is very good to prevent the Scurvy in their Mouths also I order'd every Man to wash his Mouth Face and Hands before the receive his daily Allowance of Bread and appointed one Man to see it performed if any neglected it the Steward kept their Allowance for one day likewise every Man is commanded to keep himself clean and free from Lice upon forfeiture of his daily Allowance to the Party accusing him by these means the Ship is kept neat sweet and clean tho' the dirty foggy Weather is a great Enemy to this Discipline February 19. I sounded often to day and had fifty and fifty three Fathom dark black Sand wth some bright fine Sand in it Beds of Rock-weed Seals and Porpoises such as are in the European Seas seen to day three Whales many Fowls flying about and some Penguins in the Sea swimming near the Ships at 2 a Clock in the Afternoon the Wind was at E. b. S. a stout gale and a great Sea I stood to the Southward close haled under my Courses the Pink half a Mile to Wind-ward of me udner her's she out-sails us now it blows and puts us past our Top-fails and steers along with us with only her Main-sail set the Sea runs lofty Monday February 21. At a quarter of an hour past eight this Morning I saw the Land bearing West of me and distant about 4 Leagues I sounded and had 21 Fathom small Stones and Sand still I stood in West by my Compass The Land makes but an ordinary heighth towards the Sea side but farther up round high Hills and looks reddish the Northermost Land I could see which was Cape Blanco bore North-north-west of me about two Leagues and the Southermost Land at the face of the Cape The Land trented away to te Southward of me Southwesterly of an ordinary height by the Water side but up in the Land are Hills like Tables on the top a little higher than the rest the Land makes in Hills and Valleys all along like Downs of an ordinary heighth at nine a Clock this Morning I braced the Head-sails to the Mast and lay so half an hour till the Fog cleared up that I might make the Land plainly being within five miles of the shore side which made a kind of Bay breached on the shore I sounded and at 17 Fathom had rough ground with some small stones drawn up in the Tallow of the Lead which was dinted by Rocks between nine and ten a Clock there was a fine clear by which I saw the Land very plainly it look'd reddish like seared Grass no Woods to be seen on any of the Hills or Valleys but all as bare as the Grass-Downs in England I durst not send my Boat a-shore for fear of losing her in the Fog or being sunk at the shore whereon the Sea breaks very much the Wind was at North and by East a fresh gale blew almost along the shore and being out but 24 hours before made the Sea run high the Land lies by the Sea-side South-south-west and north-north-North-north-east as far as I could see to the Southward no fire or smoak to be see upon the Land Course made true after several Courses from yesterday Noon till to day at nine a Clock when I was 3 Leagues off the Land true Course is West 6 d. 50 m. Northerly distance sailed fifty miles seven tenths Departure West 50 miles difference of Longitude West 1 d. 15 m. difference of Latitude North 0d 6 m. Latitude by account is 47 d. 14 m. South no Observation this three days being foggy Weather Meridian distance from the Lizard West 1014 League 1 mile 7 tenths Longitude at 9 a Clock from the Lizard West 61 d. 56 m. 6 tenths Longitude from Port Praya West 44 deg 38 m. 5 tenths Meridian distance from Port Praya West
735 Leagues 1 mile 5 tenths Variation of the Compass Easterly 18 Degrees I concluded we had shot past Port Desier Harbour in the Fog for the Islands and Rocks which we saw were Penguin and other Isles lying about it which lies to the Southward of the Harbour of Port Desier Many Seals Penguins pied Porpoises and several Sea Fowls c. seen to day Thursday Febr. 24. Hasey Weather Wind at West-north-west a fresh gale I sent Men up to the Top-mast-head to look abroad this Morning no sight of the Pink I judge she must be in Port Desier I weighed about 8 a Clock this Morning and stood to the Northward with my Ship I went in my Pinnace along the shore to the Northward whilst the Ship sail'd in the Offing about two Leagues from the shore the Shore-side is in Beaches and scatter'd Rocks in many places the Tide of Flood was with us at the North-end of Seals Bay lies a small rocky Island copling up like a Haycock It is cover'd with grey-colour'd Fowls Dung a very strong Tide runs here between the Island and the Main 't is a little more than a Cables length from the Point of the Main there 's a great many broken Rocks about it by the Sea-side here the main Land is low and sandy up the Country in large Downs and Hills without Wood or fresh Water any where On this Island are abundance of Seals and Sea Fowls we gave it the name of Tomahauke Island from an Indian Club lost here called by the Caribbe-Indians at Surinam a Temahauke 't is all a craggy Rock a little bigger than Seal-Island and is eight Leagues to the north-north-North-north-east distant from it to the Northwest of this Island is a deep rounding Bay called in the Charts Spiring's Bay wherein lie three small Islands of an indifferent height the Land in the Country over this Bay is large high Hills Rocks lie in the North part of the Bay I cross'd it in the Pinnace amd sounded as I went over and had 21 Fathom rough ground in the mid-way 't is seven Miles broad and near 3 Leagues deep it rounds with a turning up to the North-northwest ward behind a Point farther than I saw upon which rounding Point stand black Rocks which make like a ragged Building and a Tower in it at my coming in with the Land I sail'd close under this shoar with my Boat the shore is steep black Rocks and low Bays with Pebble-stones and sandy Beaches green Grass on the Hills no Wood nor fresh Water to be seen at the north-North-east Point of this Spiring's-Bay the Land makes out full like a foreland a fair high Land in large plain Hills with sandy small Bays at the face of this Foreland lie six rocky Islands one is a Musket-shot off the Main the rest farther off the outwardmost is the biggest a Mile from the Point of the Main and is called Penguin-Island it is indifferent high at the ends and low in the middle 't is near three quarters of a Mile long North-north-east and South-south-west and near half a Mile broad East and West it is all craggy Rocks except in the lowest part of the middle which is gravelly and in the Summer time had a little green Grass the great black Gannets lay their Eggs here and the Penguins all over the Island upon and under the Rocks in Holes Seals lie all about the sides on the tops of the highest Rocks and in the middle of it the number of Seals Penguins and Sea-Fowl upon these Islands is alsmost incredible to them that never saw them for the multitude of each Creature that 's there daily is numberless the Six Islands are full of Seals but the Penguins frequent the biggest most I put a-shore at one of them and took into my Boat three hundred Penguins in less than half an hour and could have taken three thousand in the time if my Boat would have carried 'em for 't is but driving 'em in flocks to the shore by the Boats side where two or three Men knock them on the head with short Truncheons and the rest heave them into the Boat the Seals will run over a Man if he does not avoid 'em mean time the Ship was standing to the Northward about 2 Leagues off many broken Rocks and foul ground lie among these Islands and without the Point of the outermost it makes a great ripling which is the strength of the Tide reversed from the Islands aginst the other Tide to the Northward of these Islands is a Bay four Leagues long and a League and half deep in the Northwest thereof lies the Harbour of Port Desier which we could see from Penguin Island 's bearing North-north-west from Penguin Island distant about 3 Leagues about the middle of this Bay are steep white Cliffs near two miles long the upper part of the Cliff has black streaks down a fourth part caused by the Water draining down on it the Land is plain on the top of these Cliffs but further into the Country high rounding Hills and Downs and toward the Water-side low on the South part of the Bay are craggy Rocks on the Main like great Walls near the Sea there 's a sandy Cove to hale a Boat up in foul Weather the Cove is just under these wall-like Rocks Saturday Feb. 26. Fair Weather the Wind at West a stiff gale I kept a Light out all Night that the Pink might see if she came along the first part of the Night a great Fire was made on the shore for the same purpose Cold weather this Morning at 7 a Clock I manned both my Boats and into the Herbour the Ship rode moored at the Harbour-mouth within the Muscle-bank in six Fathom at low Water I sent my Men upon the Hills on the North shore to look abroad for the Pink and make a Fire in the dry Grass that she might see the smoak if she were thereabouts but they could not see her I sounded the Harbour in many places to day at low Water and found it a very good one for great Ships to ride in provided they have good Cables and Anchros I searched the shore but found no Wood and very little fresh Water on the hilly and large Downs very few Bushes but dry long Grass growing in tufts and knots the Soil is gravelly and dry in some Valleys well mixt with black mould no People fire or smoak but our own to be seen I saw several places where they had lain behind Bushes upon Grass which they had plucked up and that they had made small sires and roasted Lumpets and Muscles there lay Wooll Feathers bones of Beasts and shivers of Flints I went to a Flag which I left on a Hill yesterday with Beads at it but finding no body had been at it let it stand no Beasts seen any where except two Hares running over the Hills this day we were taken up with viewing the Harbour so that we did not advance above a mile and
and like a Mullet one of the Men took it up and dressed it when he came on Board 't was excellent good here must be a great quantity of Fish to maintain all the Seals Penguins and other Fowls that live upon nothing else and yet are all extream fat and innumerable in multitude besides what Creatures we have not seen yet I have seen Seals in this Harbour swimming with their heads above Water with large Fish in their Mouths Sunday March 13. Indifferent Weather Wind at West a fresh gale The Air cold this Morning I went up the River in my Boat with fourteen Men armed I past the Island where the brushy Bushes are and where we took the young Shags there the River grows broader near a mile from the North shore over to the South and continues that breadth four miles then it becomes narrower and turns away to the South-west at this turning is an Island of a mean height and Rocky bearing some small Bushes and Grass I went upon it and saw a Post of five foot long set up it had been the timber of a Ship with a piece of Board about a foot square nailed to it at the foot of it one of my Men took up a piece of Sheet-Lead and gave it to me it had this Inscription engraven on it MDCXV EEN SCHIP ENDE EEN IACHT GENAEMT EENDRACHT EN HOORN GEARRIVEERT DEN VIII DECEMBER VERTROKEN MET EEN SCHIP DEENDRACHT DEN X IANVARY MDCXVI C IACQVES LE MAIRE S. WILLEM CORNS SCHOVTS ARES CLASSEN IAN CORNS SCHOTS CLAES IANSSEN BAN In a hole of the Post lay a latten or tin Box which we found by a long Plug that stuck in the hole with a sheet of written Paper enclosed in it but so eaten by the rust of the Box that 't was not to be read I cut out with my Knife upon a Board the Ship 's Name and the date of the Year and Month which I nailed to the Post and brought away the Lead with me aud named the place Le Mair's Island we found on it several pieces of Boards of the Wreck of some Ship that had been burned they were drove up here by the Tide the People of the Country can't get upon this Island From hence I went on the North side of the River two miles into the Land no Trees to be seen but many Ostriches and Guianacoes in many places the Soil is marly and good the Hills not very high but plain large Downs with Grass on them all over digging in two or three places I found sandy dry ground near a foot deep then Marle In my opinion it might be made excellent Corn-ground being ready to Till 't is very like the Land on New-market Heath no People to be seen I searched the Gullies and broken Rocks for grains of Gold or Minerals but found neither I returned to the Boat again rowed farther under the shore landed and mounted asteep high Hill to view the Country on the top of this rocky Hill grow small Bushes I could see the course of the River a long way further and the Land all Grass here and there a white spot of Marle on the side of a Hill no People to be seen nor Boats on the River I came down to the Boat several Creeks run from hence a mile or two into the Land I cross'd the River to the South-east shore we made the Boar fast in a Creek in a Valley and went all hands up the Land three miles we saw many Guianacoes and Ostriches but could not come within shot of them I saw the Footsteps of five Men that had been upon the Oar I measured my Foot with them which was larger and longer by half an Inch than any of them we could not see any People it being near Night we plucked up Grass and laid it to the best advantage for shelter here we lay all Night keeping watch two by two cold Air to Night wind at West Monday March 14. Fair Weather but cold This Morning by day-light we turn'd out and marcht into the Land four miles South-west and by South we could not find any fresh Water we made a Fire on the Grass but saw no sign of any People we saw Guianacoes Hares Foxes wild Dogs pretty large and a grey Cat like an English one running up the Hills to day we caught an Armadillo the Dogs put her to ground they have holes like Coneys we soon dug her out 't was as big as a great Hedg-hog and not much unlike one the Armadillo is cased over the Body with a shell shutting one under another like shells of Armour the Dogs couls not hurt her we saw Rats in many places and a kind of Polecat with two white streaks on the Back all the rest black our Dogs killed two of them they stink much several Ostriches some Partridges and many Kites the Land in fair Hills without Wood or fresh Water the Soil a sandy Gravel with Grass all over it no Mineral or Metal seen This afternoon we returned to our Boat and went through a Creek two miles long which is dry at low Water and not more than thirty foot broad it makes a fair Island of a mean heighth plain on the top and Grass growing all over it but no Wood nor Water upon it the greatest part of it is a sandy marly Soil 't is two miles long and half a mile broad the Greyhound killed two Hares on it presently and we saw above twenty I called it Hare-Island it is adjacent to the South-shore eight miles up the River from the narrow I went down the River and went aboard this Evening cold Air Wind at West a stout Gale towards Morning it came to the North I cannot perceive the Indians have any Canoas or other Boats here March 24. Blowing Weather Wind at West We fetch'd all our things off the shore and got the Ship ready to Sail I went a-shore on the South-side to the peeked Rock and found it a natural Rock standing on a small round Hill as if it had been built there by Man it hath a Cleft on the top it as big in circumference as a But 't is near forty foot high above the Hill it stands on about it lie little lumps of Rocks I saw nothing else worth notice so I return'd to the Ship the biggest stick growing in or near this Harbour or in the Countries as far as we went which was twenty Miles would not make a Helve for a Hatchet but there are Bushes which will serve for firing at Sea before Night I had all things on Board and the Ship fitted with intent to sail next Morning and look'd along the Coasts for the Pink till I arrived at Port St. Julian's Harbour fresh Water is scarce in Port Desier Harbour in the Summer-time the places from whence I fetch'd Water are small Springs on the North-side out of which I filled near forty Tuns the first Spring is on the North-side as you enter the Harbour half a mile up a
Valley in a gully of Rocks it bears North-north-west from the lower Rock that we called Peckets Well is a mile up the River within a Bow-shot of the salt Water 't is in a gully the Land in these Valleys has very green and sweet Grass and abundance of wild Pease small Nut-galls growing on the Bushes but in no great quantity and but few Bushes Salt may be made here for on the Shore-side and on the Rocks I gathered several handfuls of good Salt March 25. Gentlemen You are by me desired to take notice that this Day I take possession of this Harbour and River of Port Desier and of all the Land in this Country on both Shores for the use of his Majesty King Charles the Second of Great Britain and his Heirs God save our King and fired three Ordnance Saturday March 26. Wind at West a stout Gale I stood to the Northward this Morning at six a Clock when the Sun appeared above the East Horizon the Moon set in the West-horizon being eclipsed at London at Elevan a Clock ten minutes in the Forenoon but here at six a Clock thirty minutes past which gives four hours forty minutes difference of time between the Meridian of London and the Meridian of Cape Blanco which Cape lies in the Latitude of 47 d. 20 m. South on the South-east Coast of America where I saw this Eclipse 70 degrees in Longitude to the Westward of the Meridian of London by this Observation I could not see the whole Eclipse the Heavens being clouded I find Cape Blanco by my account of Sailing to lie in the Longitude of 69 d. 16 m. to the Westward of the Meridian of London If the Moon had not been clouded I might have been exact in the Longitude but I presume my Account is not much out Cape Blanco lies in the Latitude of 47 d. 20 m. South and in Longitude from the Lizard West 61 d. 56 m. and in Meridian distance from the Lizard West 1014 Leagues 1 Mile 6 1â— Port Desier in America lies in the Latitude of 47 d. 48 m. South and in Longitude from the Lizard West 61 d. 57 m. Meridian distance from the Lizard West 1015. Leagues 2 Miles 6 10 Penguin Island or the plentiful Isles Latitude 47 d. 55 m. South and in Longitude from the Lizard West 61 d. 57 m. Meridian distance from the Lizard West 1014. Leagues 2 Miles Variation of the Compass here is Easterly 17 d. 30 m. April 1. The Sweepstakes off of Seal's Bay in the Latitude of 48 d. 10 m. South on the Coast of Patagonia Saturday April 2. Fair Weather this Morning Wind at North-north-west a fine gale I filled at Day-light and steered away South-south-west and South and by West by my Compass as the Coast lies I sailed along in twenty Fathom-water black Sand distant from the shore near three Leagues this forenoon at nine a Clock I saw a small flat Island to the Westward of me about a League off the Land it lies in the Latitude of 48 d. 40 m. South the Land against it is high in large Hills and some round copling tops two Leagues more to the Southward the Land is low in a great Plain and a Beach by the Sea-side but the shore against this Island is rocky I was two Leagues East from the flat Island and had twenty three fathom black Sand I haled close in for the shore and sail'd within five Miles of it all along from this Island to Port St. Julian I sounded as I sail'd along and had 18 or 20 fathom fine black Sand the Land is low in a Valley the Sea-shore is a Beach here and there a Rock it is in a long Beach for four Leagues after you are to the Southward of the Flat-Island one League the shore lies South-fourth-west and North-north-east at the South-end of this Beach in-land are high round Hills but at the Sea-side is a steep white Cliff of an indifferent heighth with a black streak in it over the Cliff the Hill rounds up to the top having some small black Bushes growing on the side no Wood or Tree seen In this Bay is Port St. Julian the Harbour's mouth is in the middle of the Bay but you cannot see it without for one Point shutting in the other you must send your Boat in to discover the Harbour at Low-water and the Bar without for 't is a barred Harbour the Land in the Country over Port St. Julian on the West-side is high copling round Hills like blunt Sugar-loaves on the top â—is the highest Land I saw in all the Country and there are no such Hills besides on the Coast the Land is plain to the South without any Hill as far as we could see at this time this Afternoon it proved a Calm I anchored in the Bay before St. Julian in twelve fathom Water black oary Land the Harbour's mouth bearing West-south-west of me about two Leagues off I sent in my Boat to discover the Harbour and see if the Pink was there which returned to Night at six a Clock my Lieutenant told me there was a safe Harbour and Water enough for a bigger Ship but no Pink nor any sign of her having been there now I despaired of ever seeing her more after my hopes were frustrated here nevertheless I doubted not the success of my Voyage though the Company thought 't would be dangerous being a lone Ship a stormy Sea to sail in and unknown Coasts to search out and if we should happen to run aground any where could expect no relief these suspicions I soon put out of their Heads by telling them of the great Riches of the Land and that Captain Drake went round the World in one Ship when in those days there were but ordinary Navigators and was it for us to question our good fortune who beyond Comparison are better Seamen if we would put our selves in Action and for me I would expose no Man to more danger than my self in the Attempt Calm to Night I rode fast a small Tide running where I rode the Water ebb'd near three fathom perpendicular it is near nine Leagues from the Flat Island to Saint Julian South-south-west and North-north-east as the shore lies The Mouth of Port Saint Julian in Latitude 49 d. 10 m. South and in Longitude from the Lizard 63 d. 10 m. and in Meridian distance from the Lizard West 1030 Leagues by an Amplitude here the Compass has varied 16 d. 10 m. East Wednesday April 13. Fair Weather Wind at West a small gale Frosty and cold Air no sign of the Pink I went ashore and haled the Seyne on the East-side at the first of the Flood we caught five hundred Fishes as big as large Mullets and much like them grey and full of Scales some as big as a Man's Leg we caught them all in four hours time returned aboard and divided them among the whole Ship 's Company they eat admirably well many good Muscles lie on the Rocks
bad them acquaint the Indians of the Mountains or In-lands that I came to speak with them and that I was their Friend and would give them many Hatchets and Knives and Swords c. if they would come to me and that I came purposely to speak with them and that my Master the Great King of England hath sent them many things and would willingly see them After these People had heard all that I said to them they sat for a time mute and considering of the Kindnesses they received from me and my Company and that they must go a-shore again under the Command of the cruel Spaniards they weeped extreamly and uttered these words Numbra Spanalos muccho Deablo c. In English it is The Spanish men are much Devils c. I verily believe that these poor innocent Creatures speak truth for they are great Devils in abusing these poor Souls so unmercifully as they do In sight of my Men the Spaniards with a great Staff would strike an Indian on the Head as he talked with him and beat him all along for no cause at all but this they do to shew their Greatness and Imperiousness The best Name the Spaniards can afford to call an Indian by is Dog and Devil and such like Names These Indians say that there is much Gold in the Land and that the Spaniards have much Oro I gave to each of these Indians a Knife and a small Looking-glass and some Beads they were very thankful and I put them in mind again to speak to the Indians of the In-land that I would give them Knives and Glasses if they would come to me I was in great hopes all this time that I should have the opportunity to speak with my Golden Friends by the means of these People for they seemed to be glad of the Message or of the things which I gave them to do it These People are of a middle stature strongly set and well-fleshed they are tawny coloured and have long black flaggy Hair their Features tolerable of a somewhat melancholy Countenance they are very active in Body and hardy in enduring of Weather or Diet They wear small Caps on their Heads like to Mounteers and their Garment is a long Mantle but most of their Garments are a square piece of Wollen Cloth like a Carpet of their own weaving of the Wool of Guianacoes they cut an hole in the middle of this Carpet through which they put their Head and it hangs upon their Shoulders and covers their whole Bodies like a Cloak when it is buttoned down before Some have these Cloaks so long as it reacheth down to their middle Leg and some to the Knee some wear half-Stockings on their Legs but no Shoes nor Shirts some have Breeches after the Spanish Fashion but close to their Thighs and Knees A NOTE which I sent to Lieutenant Armiger enclosed in a Letter LIeutenant take what notice you can of the Fortificatin of the Fort and what strength they have of People in it and whether they are able to withstand a Ship and what quantity of Provisions they have in it and whether Don Carlos be there send me an Account thereof by John Wilkins I will use all endeavours to have you off when I understand the strength of the place I remain your loving Friend John Narbrough Burn all the Letters you receive from me and in case of Examination December 18. 1670. This Evening I took the Suns Amplitude with my Compass and I had a good Observation I find the variation of the Compass to be eight Degrees ten Minutes Easterly I do much reason with my self as to the Variation that it differs so much in the same Latitude between the East and West-side of the Land of America for on the East-side as I sailed in the Latitude of forty Degrees I found the Compass to have twenty Degrees variation Easterly by several good Observations which I took with the same Instrument as I now do use which is a large Azimuth Compass and here I find but eight Degrees and ten Minutes variation and it is but eight Degrees of Longitude more Westerly in the same Parallel differing between these Observations and the difference of Variation I find the Land to be but one hundred and twenty five Leagues broad from the East-side to the West-side in the Latitude of forty Degrees South of the Equinoctial certainly the attractive quality of the Magnet must be very powerful in the Eastern part of the Land more than in the Western which causeth the difference yet I admire being on both sides of the Land the Compass should always have the same variation Easterly I was of the Opinion that the variation would have been Westerly on the West-side it being Easterly on the East-side but I find the contrary by experience therefore I believe that the attractive quality is not much in this part of America but in some other part more to the Eastward than I was for if the attractive quality had been in this Land and I sailing on both sides of it the variation must have been Easterly on the one side and Westerly on the other This Discourse I leave to a better Understanding for I am not as yet satisfied what occasioneth the variation and the great difference of it although I have been on several Voyages and have made great benefit of the Understanding of the variation of the Compass in directing of the true Course c. In the Port of Baldavia there are three fair Rivers which come out of the Country and empty themselves into the Port with a brisk stream of fresh Water which causeth the stream always to set out of the Harbour and the Waters to be fresh just within the Harbours-mouth one River runs up into the South-east part of the Harbour into the Country another River runs into the Country to the Eastward on the back-side of St. Peter's Fort the third River runs into the Country about the North-point of the Harbours-mouth between the point and the North-end of St. Peter's Island it runs up in the North-Eastward and nine or ten Mills stand upon the River from the Harbours-mouth The City of Baldavia is situated on the Bank of the River as the Spaniards tell me I judge this City of Baldavia is but a small place and kept only as a Garrison and a place for Trade with the Indians for Gold Bezoar-stones Guianacoes-Wooll c. The Spaniards that were aboard and the Indians said that there were but five great Guns in it and three hundred Men. I know that they speak of the most of every thing in the matters as concerning their strength and number of Men. I believe that these Rivers may run into the Country a long way and the Spaniards to have but little knowledge in the inward parts of this Country for the Indians will not suffer the Spaniards to search into the In-lands I believe also that these Rivers are not Navigable for Shipping for
had observed he returned without any hope or probability of a Passage that way but this not discouraging him he resolved a second Adventure to the Northward of Nova Zembla to see what might be Performed that way So in the Year 1607. he set forward and arrived on the Coast of Nova Zembla in the Lat. of 73. where he met with Ice and so coasted the Shore till he came to the Lat. of 76. where he could get no farther and by the Ice was there driven on Shore and his Ship broke in peices by it and he confined to Winter there where they all indured the greatest extremity of Cold that ever Mortals did the Winter being past they with difficulty in two Boats got to Cola in Lapland but before their arrival there William Barrans dyed to the great grief of all his Company The next that Attempted it was that famous Discoverer of our own Nation Mr. Henry Hudson in the Year 1610. but he being disheartned by the Voyage of Barrans attempted but little So the thought of a Passage by the North-East was wholly laid aside till of late within this Year or two some Novile Accidents happening the Opinion of the North-East was received in some and something relating thereunto was printed in the Transactions of the Royal Society Now will I come to the Reasons of that induced me to believe there was a probability of a Passage and then the cause of my undertaking of the said Voyage My first Reason was grounded on the Opinion of William Barrans before spoke of which was that Nova Zembla and Greenland being 200 Leagues distance between one and the other that if he had Steered away north-North-East from the North Cape which would have brought him in the mid-way betwixt the two Lands that then he might have probably found an open Sea free from Ice and so Consequently a Passage and in that Opinion he remained to his dying day for he did verily believe that the Ice was not to be met off of either Shore more than 20 Leagues and the rest to be free and open and that his being too near the Shore of Nova Zembla was the cause of his meeting so much Ice which was the overthrow of his Voyage and if he had lived he had purposely intended another Voyage and to have sailed the mid-way The second Reason that made me believe a Passage was a Letter sent out of Holland which is Published in the Transactions of the Royal Society which affirmeth the Grand Zar of Moscovia had caused a particular Survey of the Land of Nova Zâ—mbla and that they had found it to be no Island but to joyn to the main Land of Tartaâ—ia and that to the Northward of it was a free and open Sea The third was a Journal Printed in Holland of a Voyage from Batavia to Japan wherein the Ship was cast away upon Corea a Peninsula of China where by the Natives they were made Slaves The Relator having been there 16 years at last escaped to Japan and writ this Journal wherein amongst other Observations he Relates this that in a Bay on the Coast of Corea there doth at several times drive in dead Whales with English and Dutch Harping Irons in them which if true had been a great Argument of a Passage The fourth was a Relation of Mr. Joseph Moxons who being in Holland above 20 years since heard a Dutchman relate as he did believe the real Matter of Fact that he had been under the Pole it self and that it was as warm there as it was at Amsterdam in Summer time The fifth was a Relation of one Captain Goulden who had made above thirty Voyages to Greenland and this he did relate to his Majesty that being at Greenland some twenty Years ago he was in Company with two Hollanders to the Eastward of Edges Island and that the Whales not appearing on the Shore the two Hollanders were resolved to go farther Northerly and to Fish amongst the Ice so they departed from him and went to the Northward and in a Fortnights time returned to him again and gave it out that they had sailed unto the Lat. of 89. that was within one Degree of the Pole and that they did meet with no Ice but a free and open Sea and that there run a very hollow grown Sea like that of the Bay of Bisca Mr. Goulden being not satisfied with the bare Relation they produced him four Journals out of the two Ships which testified the same and that they all agreed within four minutes one of the other The sixth Inducement that made me believe there was a Passage was a Relation from the same Captain Goulden which was that all the drift Wood that they found at Greenland was eaten with a Sea-Worm to the very Heart which if so it must of necessity come out of a Hot Climate for Experience sheweth that the Worm biteth in no Cold Country therefore it could not be supposed that it came from any other Country than Jedzo Japan or some Land thereabout The seventh Argument was another Narration Printed in the Transactions of two Ships of late that had attempted the Passage sailed 300 Leagues to the Eastward of Nova Zembla and had after prosecuted the Voyage had there not a difference arose betwixt the Undertakers and the East-India-Company against whose Interest it was to suffer it to be found out so they being a Body and more powerful than the other suppressed it These seven were the main Arguments though I had many more that Converted me into the Opinion of there being a possibility of a Passage to the Northward of Nova Zembla to China and Japan these being as I supposed or as any Man would have done if he had well considered them to be Matter of Fact and no Fables Besides these Arguments I had some grounded upon Reason and Nature which seemed to be assistant in the Design of the Attempt supposing the aforesaid Arguments to be true and there being no Land nor Ice in the way as and Obstacle to hinder it The first was That being near the North-Pole in the Summer time it might be as warm as under the Artick or Antartick Circle or warmer than with us in the Winter time for under the Pole it self in June the Sun being 23 degrees high and having no Depression towards the Horizon but always swimming about at the same hight might illuminate that part of the Hemisphere with more heat than it doth ours in Winter when he is no more then 15 degrees high when he is at the highest that is on the Meridian and not more than eight Hours above the Horizon or that it might be as hot as any place near either Polar Circle because there the Sun hath a Declination toward the Horizon and so the Atmosphere hath almost as much time to cool as it hath to heat which under the Pole should have no intermission And one Argument to favour this Opinion was the Relation of most Greenland
him who immediately saw our Fire and steered into us and sent his Boat to help to bring off our Men with that we broke up our new Work which was done to our Long-Boat and Lanched her and about Noon got all on Board Captain Flawes in good Health Journal on Board the Prosperous Captain William Flawes Commander From Nova Zembla to England 1676. SUnday July 9. From the 8. 12 at Night to this 9. 12 at Noon the Winds variable with Fogs and small Rain we stand off to the Westward true Course Protracted with allowance for variation is West 8 d. South difference of Lat. 8 Miles departure 67 Miles Lat. per Judgment 73 d. 42 m. Meridian distance from Point Staten being the Westermost Land off of Nova Zembla and the last Land we saw 67 Miles very cold Weather Monday July 10. From the 9. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable from the South-west by West to the West and so to the North and North-north-east with small Rain great Fogs and very cold Weather true Course Protracted is West 35 Miles variation allowed 12 d. West Meridian distance 102 Miles a great Sea from the Westward Tuesday July 11. From the 10. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable from the North-north-east to the North-west Course per Compass West by South distance sailed by the Log 102 Miles true Course allowed for variation is West 68¼ South distance of Lat. 34 Miles departure 96 Miles Lat. per Judgment 73 d. 06 m. Meridian distance 198 Miles thick cloudy Weather and very Cold. Wednesday July 12. From the 11. Noon to this Day Noon little Wind and variable with Calms small Rains and Fogs distance sailed by the Log 27 Miles between the West by North and the West by South true Course allowed with all impediments is West at Noon Lat. by Observation 73 d. 34 m. which is 34 Miles more northerly than expected the variation I suppose came from the Lat. we departed from on Nova Zembla Meridian Distance Corrected is 222 Miles West at Noon calm and fair Weather Thursday July 13. From the 12. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind variable from the West to the South-south-west a fresh Gale we ply to the Westward close Haul'd Course per Compass between the South-south-west and the West-north-west true Course Protracted all impediments allowed is West by North ½ North 69 Miles difference of Lat. 17 Miles departure 59 Miles Lat by Judgment 73 d. 51 m. Meridian distance 279 Miles Cold cloudy Weather with small Rains Friday July 14. From the 13. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable from the South-south-west to the West-north-west a fresh Gale and sometimes little Wind we ply to the Westward sometimes on one Tack and sometimes on the other true Course Protracted all impediments allowed is West-south-west ½ South difference of Lat. 9. Miles South departure West 20 Miles Lat. per Judgment 73 d. 35 m. Meridian distance 299 Miles Saturday July 15. From the 14. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds fresh with gusts from the North-west to the West we ply to the Westward sometimes to the Southward distance sailed by the Log 70 Miles true Course Protracted is South-west 33 d. 45 m. difference of Lat. 52 Miles Departure West 34 Miles Lat. per Judgment 72 d. 43 m. Meridian distance 333 Miles cold and cloudy Sunday July 16. From the 15. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind at West-south-west and West by South a fresh Gale but from 8 at Night till 8 in the Morning much Wind we lay a try under a Main-sail true Course Protracted Leeward-way and variation allowed is North by West ¼ West 31 Miles difference of Lat. 30 Miles departure West 7 Miles Lat. per Judgment 73 d. 13 m. Meridian distance 340 Miles Rain with very thick Weather Monday July 17. From the 16. Noon to this Day Noon little Wind from the West by North to the West with Rains Fogs and Calms we ply to the Westward close upon a Wind true Course Protracted all impediments allowed is West by South ◠West distance of Lat. 3 Miles departure 23 miles Lat per Judgment 73 d. 10 m. Meridian distance 360 Miles at 11 in the Forenoon the Wind came up at South-south-east and foggy Tuesday July 18. From the 17. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds from the South to the West-south-west we ply to the Westward close haul'd between the West and North-west distance sailed by the Log 87 Miles true Course Protracted is West by North ¼ North 80 Miles distance of Lat. 18 Miles departure 77 Miles Lat. per Judgment 73 d. 28 m. Meridian distance 437 Miles thick foggy Weather Wednesday July 19. From the 18. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind at South-west and South-south-west with very thick Fogs Course per Compass West-north-west and West close Haul'd distance sailed by the Log 74 Miles true Course variation and Leeward-way allowed is West-north-west ½ North 70 Miles difference of Lat. 32 Miles departure 60 Miles Lat. per Judgment 74 d. Meridian distance 497 Miles at Night much Wind we hand our Top-sails Thursday July 20. From the 19. Noon to this Day Noon for the most part much Winds at West-south-west and South-west with great Fogs we ply close upon a Wind North-west by West and West-north-west distance sailed by the Log 65 Miles true Course variation and Lee-way allowed is North-north-west ¼ West distance of Lat. 55 Miles departure 33 Miles Lat. per Judgment 74 d. 55 m. Meridian distance 530 Miles Friday July 21. From the 20. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind from the South-west to the West Course per Compass South by West upon one Tack and West-north-west on the other close Haul'd distance sailed by the Log 61 Miles true Course Protracted all impediments allowed is South by West ¾ West 48 Miles distance of Lat. 45 Miles departure 16 Miles Lat. per Judgment 74 d. 12 m. very thick foggy and cold till about Noon it cleared up Saturday July 22. From the 21. Noon to this Day 4 in the Morning the Wind at South-west by West and South-west with thick Fogs Course West by North and North-north-west 46 Miles at which time it was very foggy Weather we saw many Willocks and other Sea Fowles more than usual which made us think that we were near the Land of Cherry-Island we cast the Lead and had 60 Fathom a rough Sand with that we Tack'd and stood off South-south-east and South-east by East 9 Miles till Noon at which time we Sounded and had 78 Fathom Lat. at 4 in the Morning by Judgment 74 d. 26 m. Meridian distance 589 Miles at which time I was by my Reckoning 13 Leagues West from Cherry Island according to the Meridian distance I made from the Cape to Nova Zembla and from Nova Zembla back here Lat. at Noon by Judgment 74 d. 20 m. Meridian distance 582 Miles Sunday July 23. From the 22. Noon to this Day Noon the Winds variable with
Day Noon the Wind variable with great gusts and Rain at Noon the Ockney Islands bore West about 4 Leagues the Ockney Isles are low such as we saw at the same time we saw Fair Isle being high Land and about 6 Leagues off we found the Tide of Flood to set in very strong between the Ockney and Fair Isles At 8 at Night came a sudden strong gust and put us under a Main-sail Reeft at which time Catnose bore by Judgment about 8 Leagues off West by South we tryed away South-east the Wind at West-south-west a great Storm Sunday August 13. From last Night 8 a Clock to this Day 4 in the Afternoon a great Storm of Wind from the West by South to the West-north-west we tryed away under a Main-sail Reest making her way good by Judgment South-east 37 Miles Lat. per Judgment 58 d. 16 m. departure from Catnose 47 Miles East saw many Pitterals about the Ship at Night less Wind. Monday August 14. From the 13. Noon to this Day Noon a fresh Gale Course per Compass South Lat. per a good Observation 56 d. 38 m. fair Weather Tuesday August 15. From the 14. Noon to this Day Noon little Wind from the West-north-west Course per Compass South distance sailed by the Log 53 Miles fair Weather at Noon the Wind came at South we stood in for the Land spake with two fishing Busses under English Colours but they were Dutch at 6 at Night we got in with the Land about 2 Leagues to the Northward of Tinmouth Castle we tack'd and stood off the Wind at South Wednesday August 16. The Wind from the South to the South-south-east At Noon Tinmouth Castle South-west about 2 Leagues off we ply to the Southward Thursday August 17. From the 16. Noon to this Day Noon the Wind at West-south-west At Noon much Wind we Reeft our Courses and stand along the Shore to the Southward at 2 a Clock Flambrough Head West about 2 Miles Friday August 18. The Wind at West-south-west At Noon we anchored a League to the Northward of Cromer the Tide being spent Saturday August 19. At 6 in the Morning Weighed with the Tide and turned up Yarmouth Roads anchored right against the Town at 8 at Night Weighed and turned up above the Pier and anchored the Tide being spent the Wind at South-west Sunday August 20. At 8 in the Morning Weighed with the Tide of Flood and turned to Windward at 4 in the Afternoon anchored with the Tide of Ebb in Southwole Bay in 8 Fathom Water the Church bearing North-north-west Winds from the South-south-west to the South-south-east a fresh Gale Monday August 21. At 8 at Night Weighed with the Tide of Flood and turned up into Albrough Road and anchored there at 4 the next Morning Lieutenant Whitlock went ashore at Albrough to take Horse for London At 9 in the Morning Weighed with the Tide of Flood the Wind at West-south-west a fresh Gale and turned up into the Sleeway and anchored there about 5 in the Evening in 9 Fathom Water the Naze Land bearing West by North. Tuesday August 22. At 10 a Clock Weighed the Wind at West-south west and turned to Windward with the Flood At 5 in the Morning anchored upon the Tide of Fbb two Miles below the Middle ground At Noon Weighed with the Flood and turned to Windward the Wind at West by South at 6 anchored below the Shore Wednesday August 23. The Wind at West-north-west at 4 in the Morning Weighed Anchor and turned up a Mile above the Buoy of the Noar and anchored upon the Ebb about 8 a Clock At one a Clock Weighed Anchor the Wind at West-north-west we turned up the River Now after the JOURNAL I do intend to shew my Conceptions of the said Voyage and a true Relation of our Miscarriage with some Observations made in the said Voyage THE first was the following the Opinion of William Barrans that was to steer directly north-North-east from the North Cape and to fall in the mid-way betwixt Greenland and Nova Zembla so having made the Land to the Westward of the North Cape the 19. Day of June I steered away North-east by Compass which was not so much by the true Course because of the variation that is there Westerly and the 22. Day at Noon we saw the main Body of Ice being in the Lat. of 76 d. and about 60 Leagues to the Eastward of Greenland At the first seeing of Ice I did imagin it had been the Ice that joyned to Greenland and that if I went more Easterly there might be a free Sea so I ran close by the Ice it lying away East-south-east and West-north-west and every League or less that we ran we met with a Cape of Ice so when we were about that we could see no Ice to the Northward so standing in North-east sometimes two Glasses that is one hour we could see more Ice a Head and then we were forced to go out the same way we came in and thus I continued Coasting the Ice sometimes with great hopes of a clear Sea and then again disheartened by seeing more Ice till at last I had no hopes at all which was when I saw the Land of Nova Zembla and the Ice joyn to it So here the Opinion of William Barrans was Confuted and all the rest of the Dutch Relations which certainly are all forged abusive Pamphlets as also the Relations of our own Countrymen But certainly if Men did really consider the many individual dangers and mischiefs that comes upon the broaching of such untruths they would never do it for I do now verily believe that if there be no Land to the Northward of the Lat. of 80 d. that the Sea that is there is all frozen and always continueth so for I that could get no farther than 76 d. found it so frozen without intermission and some of the Ice that we saw that was on the main Body of it had been conveyed 10 Degrees more Southward would have taken some Centuries of Years to Thaw it for the loose Ice that lay about the Edges of the main Body was not more than a Foot thick in some pieces above the Superficies of the Water and the rest of the Cake that was sunk was more than 18 Foot below So I conclude that those vast Mountains that were on the main Body were all on Shore as of necessity they must if they hold the same proportion and considering the shallowness of the Water which I found all along the Ice which in the mid-way between the two Lands I found to be no more than 70 Fathom was doubtless a sign that to the Northward is Land and that the main Body of Ice that lyeth crusted about the Shore may be 20 Leagues or more and that Nova Zembla and Greenland are the same Continent for if there had been any Passage there would have been some Current which I could never or very hardly find to be any and the little that was run
weather and warm Sun-shine all night Hard by us rode a Hollander and the Ships crew busie in cutting the fat of a Whale when the fish burst with so great a bounce as if a Canon had been discharged and bespattered the Workmen all over On the 8th the wind turned North-west with snow and rain We were forced to leave one of our Anchors and thank'd God for getting off from Land for the Ice came on fiercely upon us at night the wind was laid and it was colder although the Sun shined On the 9th we got another male Whale being the eighth which was yellow underneath the head we filled with him 54 Kardels with fat the Sun shined all night On the 12th we had gloomy Sun-shine all day At night we sailed with three Boats into the Ice before the Weigatt and got three white Bears an old one with two young ones they swam in the water like fish On the Ice lay abundance of Sea-horses and the further we came into the Ice there were the more of them we rowed up to them and when we came near to them we killed ten of them the rest came all about our Boat and beat holes through the sides of the Boat so that we took in abundance of water we were forced at length to row away from them because of their great number for they gathered themselves more and more together they pursued us as long as we could see them very furiously Afterwards we met with another very great one who lay in the water fast asleep but when he felt our Harpoon within him he was very much frightned and ran away before the Boat again where he was soon eased of his fright by our Lances We saw but very few Whales more and those we did see were quite wild that we could not come near them That night it was so dark and foggy that we could hardly see the Ships length we might have got Sea-horses enough but we were afraid of loosing our Ships for we had examples enough of them that had lost their Ships and could not come to them again but have been forced to return home in other Ships When after this manner any have lost their Ships and cannot be seen they discharge a Cannon from the Ship or sound the Trumpets or Haut-boys according as they are provided in their Ships that the men that are lost may find their Ship again On the 13th we had cloudy Sun-shine the wind towards night turned to north-North-east and by east The Ice came a floating down apace we sailed from the South-east Land to the west and we could but just get through by the North side from the Bear-Harbour or Bay We sailed on to the Rehenfelt or Deer-field where the Ice was already fixed to the Land so that we could but just get through we sailed further to the Vogelsanck Birds-song as you may see by b in the Plate D. Then we turned toward the East with a North-east wind in company with twelve Ships more to see whether there were any more Whales left with George and Cornelius Mangelsen and Michael Appel who sailed in four fathoms water and touched upon the wreck of a Ship that was lost there On the 14th in the morning we sailed still amongst the Ice the wind being North-east and by east we had a fogg all that day with Sun-shine with a Rainbow of two colours white and pale yellow and it was very cold and we saw the Sun a great deal lower On the 15th it was windy cold and foggy the whole day the wind turned North-west and the Ice came on in abundance so that we could hardly sail for it was every where full of small sheets of Ice At this time there were many ships beset with Ice in the Deer or Muscle-Bay We sailed all along near the shoar and at night we entred the South-Harbour marked with c in the Cut D where 28 Ships lay at Anchor 8 whereof were Hamburgers the rest Dutchmen From that time when we sailed out of the South-haven we kept always within sight of the Land and saw it always except it was foggy and so long the Skippers stay by the Ice to see whether there is any more Whales to be had That night we fetched water from the Land near the Cookery of Harlingen out of a hole marked by b in the Plate C. On the 16th in the morning we saw the Moon and afterwards it was windy with abundance of snow On the 18th we had fair weather with Sun-shine and we were also becalmed that we could not sail wherefore we towed with a Boat into the Danish Harbour to gather some Herbs from the Rocks In the South-Haven rode 30 Ships at Anchor On the 19th we had warm Sun-shine and fair weather but in the night stormy and rain On the 20th storms rain and a great deal of snow the wind South-west On the 21th rain all day long CHAP. II. Of our home Voyage from Spitzbergen to the Elbe ON the 22th day of July in the morning when the Sun was North-east we waied our Anchors and sailed out of the South-Haven we had a fogg all day long and Sun-shine at night in the night we saw abundance of Fin-fishes On the 24th it was so warm with Sun-shine that the Tarr wherewith the Ship was daubed over melted we drove it being calm before the Haven or Bay of Magdalen On the 25th it was cloudy and Sun-shine but cold withal at night we came to the Forelands the night was foggy the wind South-west On the 26th we had the very same weather all day the Sun was very low in the night On the 28th we turned from the side of the North-Foreland towards the west when the Sun was South-east and we did sail South-west and by west towards the Sea then we changed our Course southwards and stood South-east On the 29th 30th and 31th we sailed South-east and by south all along by the Land the south side of the Foreland was 8 Leagues from us bearing North-east then we sailed South-west and by south it was very cold with a North-west wind We saw daily abundance of Fin-fishes but no more Whales On the 9th of August it was windy all day with a gloomy Sun-shine in the forenoon it cleared up towards noon the wind was South-east when we took the Meridian heighth of the Sun and were at 66 degrees 47 minutes we sailed South-westward all along the Northern shoar of the Country On the 13th being Sunday in the morning the wind was North-west stormy with rain and west winds In the night we had very clear Moon and Star-light In the morning we saw the northern part of Hitland we sailed southward after the rain we saw Fair-Isle and sailed in betwixt Hitland and Fair-Isle first South-west and afterwards South-west and by south and then southward On the 20th it was fair weather warm Sun-shine and somewhat windy When the day began to appear we saw Hilgeland South-eastward of us
when we sailed South-east there we took in a Pilot on purpose chosen by the Magistrates of Hamburg On the 29th it was fair weather and warm Sun-shine all day we sailed before the Elbe and lay at Anchor by the first Buoy called the Red-Buoy in the afternoon we weighed our Anchor and sailed to Kucks-Haven in the night we had thunder and lightning and rain The End of the first Part. THE SECOND PART OF THE VOYAGE TO SPITSBERGEN CONTAINING The Description of Spitzbergen CHAP. I. Of the External Face and Appearance of Spitsbergen It seemeth because the Ice stands firm and floats not as that in the Sea doth that there should be land not far behind it As the highest Countries are surrounded with Mountains as a Fortification is with Walls and Works so are these Countries naturally surrounded with high Hills The inward Condition of this Country we do not know but it seemeth since we see one Hill behind another that it is so throughout the whole Country At the Muscle-Haven or Muscle-Bay we find plainer and leveller Ground and the farther we sail toward the East the Ground groweth the lower yet it is all stony and with prospects of smaller Hills it doth not look at all as if it could be inhabited by Men. I believe also that the Land there must of necessity be lower and lower for else we should see it higher above the other as we do the other Mountains Concerning the Beasts that live on this Land I believe they come over the Ice in the Spring when the Ice stands firm into these Countries and that the same way they go away from thence again when the long nights begin Concerning the Birds we have partly a good account of them their places and food is known as I shall mention when I come to write of them When on the 18th of June on a Sunday in the forenoon we first came to the Foreland of Spitzbergen the foot of these Mountains looked like fire and the tops of them were coverwith foggs the snow was marbel'd and look'd as if it were boughs of branches of Trees and gave as bright and glorious a shining of gloss to the Air or Skies as if the Sun had shin'd When the Mountains look thus fiery a hard storm generally ensues These Countries are in the Winter encompassed with Ice from divers places according as the winds blow as if it be East from Nova Zembla if North-west form Greenland and the Island of John Mayen it also happeneth sometimes that the Land is begirt with Ice in the Summer as they have often seen that go thither every year But when the Ice comes floating on too hard or in too great a quantity then the Ships make to the Harbours Havens Bays or Rivers as they call them that run up into the Country the wind useth to receive us something unkindly when we sail into them roaring over the dry Hills with small Whirl-winds The water in these Rivers is salt We meet here with no fresh Streams or Rivolets nor did I ever see a Spring there Of some Rivers we know their beginning of others it cannot found out because of the danger of the Ice which they are never free from some because of the hidden Rocks underneath the water which are discovered by the vehement breaking of the Sea or by great quantity of white foam The Names of the Havens you find all in order one after another in the Map of Spitzbergen as far as we have been These Havens they reckon to be the safest viz. the Safe-Harbour and the South and North-Bay which are the most known of any in Spitzbergen The other Havens of what names soever we commonly sail by because they lye open to the Sea Others we pass by because of the constant Ice that is in them and the hidden Rocks In the South or North-Haven or Bay ride commonly the most Ships I told several times ten twenty nay thirty Ships that lay at Anchor as your may see in the Plates C and D marked with c and d. Concerning the Birds we see abundance more of them by and on the Land then among the Ice chiefly when they hatch their Eggs we do not find they make their Nest up with far-fetcht things neither do they gather any thing for them from Norway Schetland or the like The Seeds of several Herbs might grow in Spitzbergen but the Herbs nature hath bestowed on those Countries are such as are fit for the Diseases and Distempers that are common there We saw abundance of Sea-horses by Spitzbergen on the low Land and upon the Ice but we saw but very few Seales on the Ice thereabout The Country as is aforesaid is stony and quite throughout it are high Mountains and Rocks Below at the feet of the Mountains stand the Hills of Ice very high and reach to the tops of the Mountains the Cliffs are filled up with Snow wherefore these Snow-Mountains show very strange to those that never saw them before they appear like dry Trees with Branches and Twigs and when the Snow falleth upon them they get Leaves as it were which soon after melt and others come in the room of them There are seven large Ice-Mountains in a Line in these Countries that lye between the high Rocks which look of a glorious blew colour as also is the Ice with a great many cracks and Holes in them they are hollowed out melted away and cut in Groves by the rain and snow-water that runs down they are increased greatly by the Snow as the other Ice that swimmeth in the Sea is also they are augmented likewise by the melted Snow from the Rocks and from the Rain that falls on them These seven Mountains of Ice are esteemed to be the highest in the Country indeed they shewed very high as we sailed by them underneath the Snow look'd dark from the shades of the Skies which shewed very neat and curious with the blew cracks where the Ice was broken off About the middle of the Mountains some foggy Clouds hovered over above these the Snow was very bright The true Rocks look't fiery and the Sun shin'd pale upon them the Snow giving the Air a bright reflection They were covered with Clouds so that you could scarce see the tops of them Some of these Rocks are but one stone from the bottom to the top appearing like an old decayed Wall they smell very sweet as the green Fields do in our Country in the Spring when it rains See c c in the Plate C. The stones for the most part are vein'd differently like Marble with red white and yellow at the alteration of the weather the stones sweat and by that means the Snow is stained or coloured and also if it raineth much the water runs down by the Rocks and from thence the Snow is tinged red On the foot of the Mountains where no mounts of Ice stand lye great loose Rocks as they chance to be fall'n one upon the other with
bigger than I have delineated them We saw many of them in the South Harbour at Spitzbergen on the 20th day of June Amongst the Ice I saw none The Seamen take these small Fish for Spiders and I should also have taken them to be such if I had not had them in my Hand and looked more couriously upon them and found they they had no affâ—nity at all with the Spiders In the Tab. Q it is marked with e. III. Of the Hat Slime-fish It s upper part is like the Fungusses or Toad-stools for it is as it were a round and thick Stalk that goes just into the middle of the Head It hath a blew Button or Knob that is as thick again as the Stalk And this upper part may also be compared unto such a Straw Hat as our Women wear From the Stalk downwards it doth grow thick again and round yet it is a great deal less than the Button I have seen them force themselves up from below and then from the top down again just as a Stick that is forced down underneath the Water reboundeth up again I got them in the North Sea between Holly-Land and the Elbe where the Sea-water mingles with that of the Elbe I have also seen them at Kuck's-Haven in the Elbe And I am also informed that sometimes they come as far down as to Freyburg By reason of its shape it may be called The Hat Slime-fish or Stalk Slime-fish IV. Of the Rose-like-shaped Slime-fish This Slime-fish is a round as a Circle yet in his circumference between his double strokes a little indented The Rays spring out single from the middle of the Body and there are sixteen of them in number but they divide themselves into two branches wheer they run somewhat closer together and are split in two The Body thereof is white and transparent as is mentioned before he draws it together and opens it again as he pleaseth but the Rays or Spokes are brownish red On the end of these Spokes towards the outward circumference are several Spots 32 in number In the middle of this Plate is another small Circle and from the circumference of that the before-named Spokes begin It is hollow within which Cavity may perhaps be his Belly wherein I found two or three of the small Shrimps Round about did hang down seven brown small Threads like spun Silk or like unto the Threads that flye in the Air about Autumn he cannot move these I believe he weigh'd about half a pound he was about half a span broad the Threads were about a span long This sort we got about Hitland One might very well call him the Plate or Rose-like Slime-fish by reason of his figure and shape I have heard some relate that the Macarels do suck their Colour out of these two but I cannot affirm it but leave it undecided until I can assert it by my own Experience These three first Sea-qualms are numerous in the North Sea as Atomes in the Air but about Spitzbergen we do not find many of them I have seen them swim at top only in calm weather but in stormy weather they sink to the bottom V. Of the Slime-fish like a Cap. At Spitzbergen near the Muscle-Harbour on the 8th of July when the weather was calm I saw two sorts of Slime-fish whereof one had six the other eight Corners That with six Corners had also six purple Streaks with blew Brims Between these Streaks the Body is divided like unto a Pumpkin into six Ribs From the middle of his Body hang down two Threads that are red like Vermilion and rough of small Hairs they are shaped like unto the Letter V I did not see him move them when he swam Within his Body he hath other broader Streaks of a purple colour and on the edges or brims of a lightish blew one they represent themselves like unto a great W The whole Body is as white as Milk and not so transparent as thâ— Body of that that cometh next It is shaped just like a Cap with Corners wherefore one might call it the Cap-like Fish It is about as big again as it is delineated here It weighed about two ounces I did not perceive when I had him in my Hand that he did burn me but it dissolved like snot or Slime In the Tab. P it is marked with g. VI. Of the Slime-fish like a Fountain The sixth and last is a very notable Fish it hath a hole at the top like unto a Quill of a Goose that may perhaps be his Mouth which goes into a cavity like a Funnel wherefore we might call him a Funnel-fish From this hole coem down four Strokes two and two exactly opposite to one another two of them are cut transversedly and two are not cut Those that are not cut are about half the breadth of a Straw and the others that are like unto the Backâ—bones of a Snake are as broad as a Straw both of them come down beyond the middle of the whole Body From the middle of the Funnel come down four others like unto the Back bones of a Snake and they come down lower than the others so that all of them make eight in number They changed their colour as we looked upon them into blew yellow and red with such delicate colours as a Rainbow They looked in my Eyes to be like unto a Fountain with eight Streams or Spouts wherefore we might call it a Fountain-fish with eight Streams Within him came down from the end of the Funnel something like a Cloud that divides itself into rows which I take to be his Intrails Where the before-mentioned outward Streaks end themselves the Body is first bent in somewhat then it turns round and there it hath many small Streaks The whole Body is as white as Milk of the same bigness as it is here delineated I believe it weighed about four ounces I did not perceive that he did burn ones Skin but he did like him I mentioned before dissolve like Slime Since I have seen other sorts of these Sea-nettles in the Spanish Sea that weighed several pounds and they were of a blew purple yellowish and white colour that burn more violently than those of the North Sea they suck themselves so close to the Skin that they raise Blisters and cause sometimes St. Anthony's Fire The Cutts whereof together with the Description I hope to communicate to the Reader at another time This is marked with h in the Tab. P. The Whale fishing killing of Morsses Supplem t. Tab S. Pag. 179. A SUPPLEMENT To Capt. Wood's and Marten's north-North-East Voyages CONTAINING Some Observations and Navigations to the North-West of Groneland and other Northern Regions A SUPPLEMENT To Capt. Wood's and Marten's north-North-east Voyages c. CHERRY and other Islands OUR Men conceive Greenland to be broken ken Land or a great number of Islands at least very near to one another On the West side they discovered as far as 82 deg the most
Northerly Point they called Point Purchas there they found very many Islands which they thought not worthy to give Names to being careful only to take notice of those six or eight Harbours which were commodious for their Fishing On the East side they went no farther than 78 deg because the Dutch disturbed their Trading on that side There are also many Islands some of which are named as Hope-Island discovered in 1613 which may be that the Dutch call willoughby's-Willoughby's-land or John Mayen's Island though indeed it corresponds well to neither but rather to the later I belongeth to Greenland and is but a small Island and lies North-east and South-west whereas the Country Sir H. Willoughby landed upon was a large Countrey inasmuch as he sailed many days by the side of it and lies North and South which must be Greenland Edges-Island was discovered 1616 by Capt. T. Edge who had made that Voyage ten times Wyches-Island so called from a Gentleman of that Name was found out 1617 but there being nothing remarkable come to our knowledge concerning these we pass them over Only it is worth noting that both the Whale and Morss-fishing was known and practised 800 years ago as appears by the Relation which Octber the Norwegian made to his Lord Alfred King of England where he also saith that the Morsses were hunted for their Teeth which were mightily esteemed Cherry-Island when first discovered I know not but it received not its Name nor was known to be of any profit till 1603 when a Ship set out at the charges of Sir Francâ—â— Cherry touched upon it and found there some Lead and a Morsses Tooth but stayed not to fish because the year was too far spent However they called it in honour of Sir Francâ—s Cherry for whose use they took possession of it Cherry-Island In 1604. a Ship set sail Mr. Welden the Merchant and Stephen Bennet the Master from London April 15 and arrived at Cola in Lapland May I. They stayed in Lapland till July 1. and July 8 they came in sight of Cherry and they came to an Anchor on the south-south-South-south-east side but because of the Stream could not land so that they sailed round about the Isle and at length anchored two miles from the Shore Going on Land one of them with his 〈…〉 as many Fowl as almost laded their Boat July 9. they found on Shore nothing but store of Foxes that part of the Island was in 74 deg 45 min. July 10. they weighed Anchor and stood into another Bay and came to an Anchor in eight fathoms where they saw an incredible number of Morsses swimming in the Sea Coming to shore they espied a vast company of them lying on the Ground they shot at them with three Guns they carried with them but with all their Weapons they could kill but fifteen of above 1000 that lay there like Hogs huddling together on heaps but they found as many Teeth as filled an Hogshead Before the 13th they killed near 100 more making use only of their Teeth In 1605 the same persons went again arriving there July 2. They went on Shore and July 6. slew abundance of Morsses and not only with Shot as they did the year before but with Launces dexterously used directing them to certain places of their Bodies they began also to boil their Blubber and made eleven Tuns of Oyl five of their Bellies will yield one Hogshead and abundance of Teeth Here also they found a Lead-mine under Mount-misery and brought away about Thirty Tun of the Oar. In 1606. the same Ship with the same Persons was sent again and landed July 3 in 74 deg 55 min. where they stayed till the Ice was all cleared for the Morsses will not come to Shore till the Ice be all vanished where at one time in six hours they slew betwixt Seven and Eight Hundred Morsses and Two great 〈…〉 they made 22 Tuns of Oyl and 〈…〉 Hogsheads of Teeth In 1608. June 21 was so hot that the melted â—itch ran down the sides of their Ship 〈…〉 hours time they slew above 900 Morsses making 〈…〉 Tuns of Oyl and above 2 Hogsheads of Teeth besides 40 more They took alive into their Ship two young Morsses a Male and Female the Female died the Male lived ten weeks in England where they taught it many things In 1610 at another Voyage with two Ships they killed many Bears and saw divers young ones no bigger than young Lambs very gamesome and lusty they brought-two of them into England Much Fowl also they slew and many Seals and June 15 set up an Ensign in token of possession of the Island for the Muscovia Company in Gull Island they found three Lead mines and a Coal-mine on the North side of the Island Three Ships more also came to fish at Cherry-Island they killed 500 Morsses at one time at other times near 300 more one Man killing 40 with his Launce at one days hunting The Morss Walrush Horse-whale Rosmarus or Sea-horse for so he is by the Ancients often called though of late they have discovered another Fish not unlike him with streight Teeth which they call the Sea-horse hath a Skin like a Sea-calf with short and sad yellow Fur a Mouth like a Lion if any hardly discernable Ears yet they hear well and are frighted with noise which also is said of the Whale that he is driven away with the sound of a Trumpet large Breast short Thighs four Feet and upon each Foot five Toes with short sharp Nails with which they climb the Ice and as large as a great Ox having a great semicircular Tusk growing on each side of their upper Jaw which are very much valued especially by the Northern People partly for their uses in Medicines as to make Cramp-rings which they make also of the Bristles upon his Cheeks to resist Poison and other malignant Diseases wherein they are at least equal to that called the Unicorn's Horn but more for their Beautry which is equal to if not surpassing Ivory The heaviness of it makes it much sought after for Handles of Swords Their Skins being dressed are thicker than two Ox-hides yet light and excellent to make Targets against Darts and Arrows of the Savages They feed upon Fish and Herbs and sleep if there be Ice upon that where if surprized the female casts her young ones of which she hath commonly two at a time into the Sea and her self after them swimming away with them in her Arms and if provoked after she hath secured them returning many times to set upon the Boat into which if she can fasten her Teeth she will easily sink it But if they be farther from the Water they all arise up together and with their weight and force falling upon the Ice endeavour to break it as they did when surprized by Jonas Pool 1610 where himself and divers of his Men escaped drowning very narrowly one of them being in the Sea the Morsses
upon it the other on the Continent called Huarf Eric He winter'd in the Island but when the season suffer'd pass'd into the Continent which because of its greenness and flourishing he called Groneland Thence he sent his Son to Olaâ—â— Trugger King of Norway to get his Pardon which was easily granted when he was inform'd by him of this new Discovery Whereupon divers Gentlemen adventur'd to plant there who multiplying not long after divided the whole Country into the Easten and Western and built two Cities Garde and Albe In Albe was a Bishop's See and a Cathedral Church dedicated to St. Anthony the Seat also of the Viceroy sent thither from time to time by the Norwegian They write also of a great Monastery called of St. Thomas wherein was a Spring whose Water was so hot that it dressed all their Meat and being conveyed into the Cells and other Rooms in Pipes heated all the Monastery as if it had been so many Stoves They say also that this Monastery is built all of Pumice-stones and that this hot Water falling upon them mixeth with the outer parts and produces a sort of clammy matter which serves instead of Lime But what the Norwegians conquered or possessed in this Country was an inconsiderable corner of that large Continent Themselves mention a Nation whom they call Skrelingers to have inhabited in the middle of the Land but what they were we know not But whether their Paucity exposed them to the mercilesness of the Natives or whether it were an Epidemical Disease which they called the black Plague which swept away not only most of that Nation in Groneland but also the Merchants and Meriners in Norway that maintained that Traffick or whether it were some other Reason which is now forgotten so it is that since 1349 little Intelligence hath descended to us concerning Groneland till seeking the North-west passage to China occasioned more knowledge of it In 1389. they say that the King of Denmark sent a Fleet thither with intention to re-establish his Dominion in those parts but that being cast away discouraged him from any further Enterprize till new of late Christian IV. renewed somewhat again of that Navigation of which by and by In 1406. the Bishop of Drontheim sent a Priest called Andreas to succeed Henry Bishop of Garda if dead if alive to return and bring notice of the stute of the Church there But Andreas never came back nor hath there been since any further care taken to supply Bishops or maintain Christianity there There is a Relation in Purchas's Pilgrim par 3. of one Ivor Boty a Gronelander translated 1560 out of the Norweighish Language which gives a sufficiently particular account of all the places in that Country inhabited by Christians but nothing besides The occasion of our Voyages to those Coast was to find out a way to China c. by the North-west which had been fruitlesly sought toward the north-North-east The first whom we read to have searched the North-west for a passage was Martyn Frobisher who in 1576 with two Barks coming to the height of 62 deg found a great Inlet called by him Forbisher's Straits whereinto having sailed 60 leagues with main Land on either side returned He found there a certain Oar which he conceived to be of Gold and the next year he made a second Voyage to fetch a quantity of it but it proving to be nothing but black Lead answer'd not expectation yet they found a Silver Mine which lay so deep and fast in the Rocks that they could not dig it They melted Gold also but in very small quantities out of several Stones they found there upon Smith's Isle They found also a dead Fish of about twelve foot long not unlike in shape to a Porpoise having an Horn six foot long such as is commonly called Unicorn's Horn growing out of his Snout which is still kept at Windsor In 1578. he went out again upon a Discovery wherein passing as far as he thought good he took possession of the Land in the name of Queen Elizabeth calling it Meta incognita In 1583. Sir Humphrey Gilbert upon the same design went to the great River of St. Lawrence in Canada took possession of the Countrey and setled a Fishing-trade there This Voyage I suppose was made upon suggestion of a Greek Mariner who assured some of our Nation that himself had passed a great Strait North of Virginia from the West or South Ocean and offered to be Pilot for the Discovery but died before he came into England In 1585. Mr. John Davis was employâ—â— with two Barks to the same search The first Land he came to he named the Land of Desolation and is one part of Groneland then he arrived in 64 deg 15 min. in Gilbert's Sound where they found a great quantity of that Oar which Frobisher brought into England and also Lapis Specularis Thence they went to 66 deg 40 min. to Mount Raleigh Totness Sound c. where they saw some few low Shrubs but nothing else worth noting In 1586. he made a second Voyage to the same place where he found amongst the Natives Copper Oar as also black and red Copper Thence they searched many places Westward and returned with good hopes of discovering the desired passage In 1587. he made a third Voyage to 72 deg 12 min. the Compass varying to 82 deg Westward the Land they called London-Coast and there they found an open Sea and forty leagues between Land and Land thinking this to be the most likely place to find the passage and it was from him called Fretum Davis Thus from time to time proceeded the discovery of these Countries but now not upon hopes of a passage to the Indies but for the profit of Trading till Mr. Hudson in 1610 after he was satisfied that there was no passage North-easterly was sent to make a Tryal here also He proceeded an hundred leagues farther than any before had done and gave Names to certain places as Desire-provokes Isle of God's Mercies Prince Henry's Cape King James's Cape Queen Ann's Cape and the like but the Ice hindered him from going further and the Sedition of his Men from returning home In 1612. James Hall returning into England and with him Willian Baffin who discovored Cockin's Sound in-the height of 65 deg 20 min. which differed in Longitude from London 60 deg 30 min. Westward They saw also the footing of a great Beast they supposed in Elk or the like James Hall was killed in the Boat by a Native pretending to trade with them They tryed the Mine at Cunningham's River which the Danes had digged before and found it to be nothing worth There were Rocks of very pure Stone finer and whiter that Alabaster and Angelica growing plentifully in many places which the Savages use to eat In 1615. Mr. Baffin was sent again he found Fair-Point to differ in Longitude from London 74 deg and 5. min. Westward But the
from me distant about a mile and an half there are craggy Rocks to the South of the Road on the shore side but to the North a low sandy shore the Road is on the North-west and by West part of the Island in a small sandy Bay there 's the Salt-pond a bow 's shot from the Sea in the low flat Land fresh water is very scarce here I went ashore presently after I had anchored and found a heap of Salt of about 20 Tuns I got aboard again immediately and sent the Long-boat ashore which brought off 2 Tuns and ½ the Suff came in so much that no more could be got off we halled the Seyne here and caught abundance of good Mullets with some Cavalle and silver Fish one of the Islanders a Negro came aboard whom I sent ashore to tell the People that if they brought down some Cattle I would buy some of them I rode here all Night fair Weather the Wind Easterly This side of the Island is dry land without wood here are many Goats and Guinea Hens Friday October 29. fair Weather the wind at NE. a fine gale this Morning I sent my Boat ashore and bought of the Islanders some Goats at ½ a piece of Eight per Head and 8 Cows excellent good meat at 6 pieces of Eight a Cow giving the skins again my men caught a great many Fish with the Seyne which this day we split and laid in pickle four Hours then dried them to keep which they will a long time in any Climate as I have experienced in other Voyages and are very good Victuals at Sea I made what dispatch I could to be gone for St. Jago Island This day in the forenoon a Ship passed by to the Westward on the South side of the Isle and in the afternoon we saw several Ships coming from the Northward which were the Portuguese Fleet bound for Brazil they halled into Port Praya in the Isle of St. Jago to water this night I weighed and stood away at twelve a Clock South-south-west for Port Praya with the Pink in Company I touched at the Isle of May for Salt which I knew would be a great help to get Provisions in the Voyage Saturday October 30. fair wind at North-east and by North a fresh gale This Morning I steered South-west for the South side of St. Jago where is the Road of Port Praya lying near South-west from the Road of the Isle of May and distant nine Leagues This day at 12 a Clock I cast my best Bower-anchor in Port Praya Road in 10 fathom rough Ground the East Point bore East of me and the West Point about West-south-west about half a mile off I could not go into the best of the Road the Portuguese Fleet of about thirty six Sail riding in it the Great Padre Eternel Admiral bound for Brazil is a very great Ship and well built they say she is in Burthen 1700 Tuns she hath Ports for three Tier of Guns flush but now she had but eighty and poorly mann'd with Seamen and so were all the rest six Frigats might have taken most of the Fleet. At my coming in to Anchor the Admiral saluted me with seven Guns I thanked him with as many Captain Francis Wilksheir in the Jerusalem fired five I returned him three so did the Reer-Admiral and I return'd the Complement in the like number several of the Fleet fired three whom I answer'd in conclusion with three for all I rode on the broad side of the Admiral and saluted the Fort with five Guns which return'd three then I sent my Lieutenant ashore to ask leave of the Governour to water which he granted forthwith my Coopers got the Cask ready and this Evening put one boat 's lading aboard Sunday Octobor 31. fair Weather the wind at North-east a fine gale This Morning Don Carolus went ashore to Pryam with much ado I got off a boats lading of Water for the Portuguese boats were filling too and a great many Soldiers at the watering place snatch'd some of our mens Hats off and run away wherefore I would not let my men go any more this day for fear of quarreling This Bay of Port Praya as they call it is no Port but a fine round Bay having high steep Cliffs on the East side and in the bottom a steep Hill where the Castle is that hath but four Guns and is of no force there is a small Fort on the top of a Hill on the East side which hath three Guns On the North-west part of the Bay the shore is gravelly and sandy and there 's a Grove of Coco-nut trees A fresh water Rivulet runs down into the Valley and thence through the Sand soaks into the Sea this Water is in great quantity very good and keeps well at Sea to the west part of this Bay lies a small Island close on the shore which has Grass on it that may be cut off for Cattle which I did this Road is no safeguard for Shipping for a Man of War may take any Ship out of the Bay without receiving any damage from the Forts ashore and with Fire-Ships a whole Fleet may be spoiled at pleasure for it 's a fresh gale every day and there 's but two points of Land by which a man may fetch into any part of the Bay also the Bay lies open to the Sea from the East Southerly to the W. S. W. I called for my Lieutenants and Master and acquainted them that I had Orders to sail from thence to the Coast of America to the Southward of the River of Plate to the streights of Magellan through which we were to pass into the South Seas and that we must shape our Course to make the shortest way of it and be careful to keep Easterly enough of it to weather the shoals of Brazil called the Abroholls lying in and about eighteen degrees of Southerly Latitude for the Wind blows for the most part thereabouts between the Latitude of ten South and the Latitude of twenty South at East by South and East South-east fresh gales whilst this pass'd in came the Master and told me all things were stowed and the Wind at E. b. N. fresh I concluded with him that our best Course at present would be South and by East and as we got Southerly and the Wind grew large we might alter our Course when we would we steered a Point or two from the Wind that the Ship might have fresh way through the Sea I ordered my Master to steer South and by East by the Compass and my Lieutenant to call all hands to Prayer read Service and beg'd of God Almighty a prosperous Voyage continuance in Health and love to one another and that we might prosper in this Vndertaking c. Instructions for Mr. Humphrey Fleming Commander of his Majesty's hired Pink the Batchelour By vertue of an Order from His Royal Highness dated the twenty ninth day of August 1669. to me directed YOU are hereby